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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More than Magical…

“We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” – Matthew 2:2

The magi came to offer gifts on bended knee. While Jesus was only an infant, surely there were many expectations that would come with the label, newborn king, and even more with that of Savior. When we jump forward three decades from the birth of Jesus, it is even clearer that many people were not expecting the Anointed One to do and say the things that Jesus was doing and saying. They were limited by their own expectations of what a king and savior should be. They were incapable of seeing the gift of Jesus’ life and his example in their very midst, all because he was not what they expected and he did not fit in with what they wanted or thought they needed despite the fact that he fit in with what God wanted. Many people simply could not see, and maybe some did not want to see.

We all have moments where reality seems to fall short of what we expect or hope for, or times when perhaps we can be held back by expectations, or lack thereof, whether our own or those of other people. That is why it is so important to check in and assess where one’s allegiance lies and where one’s focus is along the way.

The magi had a goal, to pay homage to the newborn king. They also had a focus point, to guide them to their goal. There was the star that they followed both a great many miles and very many days, and ultimately the story behind the star, the One who creates and re-creates the earth and sky, and all that resides in and among them.

In addition, the Magi were re-directed at the appropriate time. They were warned in a dream, so they changed course and took a different path home. Certainly, it was an unexpected turn, but still the message was received, taken to heart and, in the end, it was for the best.

Despite expectations that may be self-imposed or put in place by others, seek to listen to and honor the One who truly knows best… the One who not only sees all things, but also bears light on all things. Those who trust in God can expect strength for the journey wherever it may lead, and guidance in all things, great and small.

MoreThanMagical

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.

– Matthew 2:1-12

More Than Words…

Oftentimes there is so much more to any story or situation than what one may initially see, perceive, or be told by others. While sometimes, we not get a chance to see beyond the surface for ourselves that is not an excuse to avoid trying. In any situation, both divinity and humanity call us to dive deeper, seeking truth and compassion rather than assuming.

When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus for presentation in the temple, as was customary according to the law of Moses, they encountered Simeon and Anna, two older people who seemed to have more than knowledge, who professed understanding of who this infant before them was and what the future would hold for him and the family. One can only imagine what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph to hear the words of Simeon and Anna, especially, Simeon’s words. He blessed Jesus as Savior and “a light for revelation” and “glory” for God’s people (Luke 2:32). Not only that, but he said to Mary, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted” (Luke 2:34).  If that was not confounding enough, he told Mary, “and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed” (Luke 2:35).

As we go through life we all experience times of being told information by others. The challenge is figuring out what to believe. How we decide what to listen to and what to dismiss is key. How did Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna decide?

Perhaps even more significant, is determining what, of that which is spoken, is one’s business, or what is truly worth one’s time?

Mary and Joseph had already been told by Angels, messengers sent from God, that their Son would be God incarnate. They did not know exactly what that was going to mean or specifically what it would entail. Simeon and Anna both had been waiting for the birth of the Savior. Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Surely, Anna, a prophetess, who worshipped day and night, also had been told comparable news along the way.

Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna, were individuals, and unique as such. While they pursued the same goal, to live in faithfulness to God, the way they went about being faithful was likely similar, but not identical. They were four people who experienced and had come to know what many people would consider unbelievable, or fantasy. However, with what they shared, as many before them, as well as after them… with great faith in and devotion to God, and through continued prayer, they were able to know which Voice to listen to and which ones to tune out—examples worth emulating.

Trees

Peace and Good Will to All…

This year, a winter holiday gift that seems to be highly advertised is an ancestry kit. These kits promise to provide test results from one’s saliva. The information that is sent back about a month after submitting a sample shows, among other genetic data, from where in the world one’s DNA is. In other words, it verifies from where you come and the ethnic populations to whom you are related.      

Having some understanding of where you come from and who you are is important. To think that things that are so very small, molecules, and the manner in which they are bound together, can determine so much, both in the present and into the future, can be rather fascinating. Not just from a hereditary standpoint, but also from a spiritual one.

Even more amazing than the data one can obtain from DNA, is the Author… the One who created all that binds us together; all from the physical traits to the capacity to think, feel, learn, grow, love, and much more. Of all that occurs in the world, how much greater is the One who throughout the ages and through many people using diverse means, orchestrates Salvation for all!

While we may not all share the same backgrounds, whether genetic, cultural or religious, and we may not all share the same beliefs, we are still all connected… all made of mind, body and soul. The more we can remember this, and the more we choose to live in a manner that celebrates our common bond, the more our better qualities shine.

From my heart to yours, peace and good will to ALL.  

Origin

A Tale, Tried and True…

Recently I attended a local theatre production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Near the beginning of this Classic story, the ghost of Jacob Marley visits his friend and business partner in his earthly life, Ebenezer Scrooge. He carries with him, wrapped around him and weighing him down, chains. As Jacob is explaining to Ebenezer the reason for his bondage… how each link in the chain was the result of the choices he had made throughout his life, Ebenezer refutes what his friend is trying to tell him and begins speaking of Jacob’s great business sense and financial success. To this, Jacob replies,

“Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

In essence, to be at our best, to be truly successful, is to be human and to act humane, as one faces the circumstances that life presents. While this can be more than just a little hard at times, especially when there is so much beyond our control, it is what we were created for… we were built for the greater good. That is the Christmas Spirit. The same Spirit we witness when people pull together, reach out and connect to one another in the face of tragedy or disaster or in the course of the every day.

Everything we need to resist and overcome evil, all that is good, the Spirit, resides within each of us, all the time. The choice is whether to uncover, seek and embrace it, to become one with it, allowing it to be palpable and visible to others. The task is to open, and to keep opening ourselves to it, each, and every day, trusting that we are not alone in this effort. Trusting… believing that in each moment, the grace of God is waiting to set us free and to help us rise up to all that we can be.

Jacob Marley visited Ebenezer Scrooge to testify to the Light so that his friend might believe, and in and through believing be changed for the better. We can do all that too.

ATaleTriedTrue

Traveling the Terrain…

Yesterday, the snow was falling and the roads were slippery on the ride home. Given the conditions outside, it was natural to slow down, happening almost automatically and without much thought. Proceeding with caution and at a slower rate of travel made it much easier to navigate and to be aware and to respond appropriately to icy spots along the way, even those that were hidden and caked over with snow.

Throughout life and the various paths as we journey, there are the things that we may see as well as the things that seem to come out of nowhere. At times, we can be left questioning, “How did I get here?” “Was this avoidable?” … “Was there something I did or did not do?” So often, one may never know the answers to such questions. Even when we do though, we are still in the place in which we are.

It is written of John the Baptist that he was, “A voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” (Mark 1:3). Surely, his journey included roads with slippery spots… even in the desert. As human beings, we never really know exactly where the curve in the road, or the tricky terrain, will be until we come upon it. However, perhaps the best way to manage whatever that territory may be is to slow down and to remember that in the dark of night, our eyes with the help of the smallest ray of light are able to seek and find the way. Just the same, when we persevere in faith, strive to be faithful, and trust in the Lord, we are guided to life, even in conditions, and at times, that may seem to be the worst.

TravelingTheTerrain

A Better Deal…

Even during the darkest nights of the year, or in our lives, there are so many stars in the sky and so many bright spots for us to see each day. Among them, and always there, is the Star that came before all others and leads the way, only to be missed so often. Jesus said, “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” (Mark 13:33).

The time is now. It has always been now. Jesus was in front of the disciples when he spoke the above words to them. Jesus, “God with us,” is always present. Oftentimes when we cannot see, we may ask, “Where are you, Lord?” Imagine if we actually heard the response, “I’m right here. Where are you?”

During such a busy time of year, advertisements abound at a level 2… 3… 4 times or more than the typical volume. We are beckoned, in so many ways, toward discounts often referred to as amazing deals. In the mix, it can be easy to move away from the best deal ever. One that is available no matter who you are or where you are — Salvation.

ABetterDeal

Mirror, Mirror…

When I was a young child, I first heard the Hans Christian Andersen story, “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” As the fairy tale was read aloud, I remember listening with great interest and a desire to know what was going to happen. I wondered how so many people could ignore what they saw for themselves.

The people knew that there were no “new” clothes, yet they were afraid to speak the truth, and so they lied when asked their opinion, pretending to marvel at the “brilliant” clothes created by two conmen. This charade continued and was embraced by nearly everyone until a child spoke the truth aloud.

It is clear from the story that the people recognized that there were no clothes to see, but the men “making” the clothes had preyed on the emperor’s weakness, a penchant for fine clothing. Once they caught his attention, they also promised something that the emperor did not possess, but wanted—knowledge of who was fit for their position and who was not.

The emperor fell for the scam, and because he did, his people, out of fear, went along with it too. After a child states the truth, the emperor continues to carry on as if he is wearing the most fabulous clothing as he walks down the street, when in fact he is wearing no clothing. The reader also learns that the emperor does this despite fearing that the child and those who have joined with him are correct. The emperor clings to pretense.

Looking back at the story, the conmen presented themselves as skilled weavers, using what they witnessed to take advantage of the emperor and his subjects. They did not come to town in the name of anything resembling goodness. The emperor presented himself as someone who was wise and “better than.” He used his wealth and appearance to try to impress as well as using what he thought was the skill of others to try to uphold this image. No one under the king wanted to be viewed as unfit so they presented themselves as seeing what was not present—the emperor’s clothes. Then there is the child, the one who presents her/himself with no pretenses, giving voice to the truth.

During this time of year when there is much talk and effort around presents, perhaps a question(s) worth asking is, “How do I present myself? And what is operating behind it?”

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. – Mark 11:9

Mirror

At the Center…

While two out of the three servants made something of the talents (ancient monetary units) given to them by their master, “the man who received one (talent) went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money” (Matthew 25:18).  In the verses that follow in this Gospel passage, we learn the reason behind the servant’s choice. It was fear that essentially paralyzed him. It prevented him from putting to use the talent he was given, leading him to make what ended up being a poor choice… one that did not bear any fruit.

Isn’t that fear in a nutshell? It seeks to restrict or incapacitate one’s ability to see the broader picture and to make the better choice. It seeks to pull us away and distract us from the action that is true and honorable… the action that is best. Not only that, but fear has a way of trying to creep back into the picture, trying to make us lose focus, become discouraged or question what has already been decided.

So what is one to do to guard against any fear that seeks to unravel us? Perhaps the greatest thing we can do is to stop in our tracks and remember. We have been given many powerful gifts with which to walk the path that is ours from beginning to end. God is not only on our side, but also with us, every step of the way. Fear, on the other hand, is the thief in the night seeking to knock us off kilter and to make us forget the truth.

Like the servants in “The Parable of the Talents,” in life we get to choose what we hold on to and what we do with the lot that is ours at any given time. When we allow fear to grab hold of us, we are sure to fall, but when we cling to God, and allow God to be at the center, then not even death can bring us down.

SunRiseAtTheCenter

Staying Up Late vs. Staying Awake…

The first time my children asked if they could stay up until midnight, I remember my husband and me saying, “Okay,” thinking that it was highly probable they would fall asleep well before midnight, which was a good deal beyond their usual bedtime. However, as midnight approached, to our surprise, they were wide-awake and charged full of energy. It was not because of a late afternoon/early evening nap or anything else we would have thought of, but rather it was all due to a Wii racing game.

To our children, staying awake far beyond their nightly bedtime and reaching new levels of Wii greatness was exciting and a great feat accomplished. To us, it was an interesting lesson on the power of Wii—a new addition to the “things that can rev us up when we really need to be winding down” category.

Thinking back on that night, as I recollect it—much more fondly these days—I am reminded how at every stage of life there are many things that can cause us to become revved up, distracted and/or pulled away from perhaps recognizing and responding to the better choice among the possible options.

Oftentimes it can seem as though there is so much to do and so little time in which to get it done. There can be pressure to keep pushing and plugging away, rather than pausing, if only briefly, and reassessing the direction in which one may be travelling. Coming to a complete halt can also be unthinkable… unspeakable, but it can also be life altering for the better, even when it may seem to be for the worse.

Like so much in life, the view depends on from where it is taken in… from where one is standing, and the posture in which it is received.

“Every life needs a hopeful spiritual discipline that recognizes the presence and action of God at all times.” – Jerome Kodell, OSB

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By the Light…

The sky was beautiful and peaceful. It was a pleasant sight at the end of a long day. At a time when one might expect the darkness of night to overtake the day, the moon was big and bright, casting light upon the clouds as they moved across the sky.

Sometimes it can be easy to forget how beautiful the night time can be. Among the vast darkness, there is quiet to be found, and, on a crisp, cool, clear night, there is also natural light from high above. One needs only to pause, and then look up and around to experience awe, inspiration, hope, peace, reassurance, or whatever grace may be most needed at that moment.

There is much that can happen throughout life that may seek to cast a shadow over us, to cause one’s head to drop and heart to sink, or one’s gaze to move downward toward the ground. There is so much that can seek to close our hearts to the goodness that awaits us despite the circumstances or predicaments that may exist around or within us.

Then there is the sky… calling us to remember that we are not alone… that nothing is too heavy… there is Light to be experienced by both the day and the night.

Moon2