Awareness

Waves of Light…

Over the past few weeks, as my son has worked on a film project, I have had the opportunity to follow the process of shooting and reshooting scenes, as well as making adjustments for both acoustics and lighting. Most noticeably, the lighting and the impact that it has on the ability to capture scenes in a way that is focused, crisp, and clear has been interesting. On one particular shoot, the light in the room was intermittently “shifting” as the sunlight shining in from a window and a breeze, moving branches outside the window, affected it.

It was striking to see what seemed like waves of light, here and there, moving across the room. While initially, it seemed that the light was doing nothing but interfering, in a different part of the room and from another angle, the lighting was just right and the footage was crystal clear.

In the Gospel according to John, chapter 9, verses 1 through 41, Jesus is the Light that makes things clear to those who desire to see with an open heart. Yet, some receive the Presence as something to be embraced and to lead the way, while others reject the Presence as something that is an interruption or nuisance.

So a second time the Pharisees called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give God the praise! We know that this man, Jesus, is a sinner.” (For Jesus had healed the man on the Sabbath).

He replied, “If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.”

So they said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”

He answered them, “I told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?”

They ridiculed him and said, “You are that man’s disciple; we are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this one is from.”

The man answered and said to them, “This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him.
It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.”

They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out.

– John 9:24-34

Preoccupied with their own ambitions… focused on their own designs, the Pharisees could not recognize the Light… the truth about Jesus and the healing of the blind man. And therefore, understanding, appreciating, finding joy in the situation, being happy for the good fortune of the man who could now see, or being receptive to Jesus, would not be possible.

There is a saying that life is what you make of it, and another that people see what they want to see. Was the blind man a sinner? Were his parents sinners being punished with a blind son (as was the thinking at the time)? Was Jesus a sinner?

How might this passage be different if the Pharisees, had been open to the Light, or even simply the idea of it?

What difference or impact, does receiving the Light of Jesus make?

How does being open to the other side of the room or trying to take a view from a different angle, allow one to see and receive the Light, and to let Jesus lead?

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.   

– John 8:12

What Would You Believe?

Believe it or not, it seems easier to believe that which is tangible. Thus, the saying, “I’ll believe it when I see it!” Yet, in reality, what one believes actually comes from within. Belief is born out of that which echoes the perceived experience of one’s heart and mind.

As perception changes, the things that resonate and to which one is receptive change too. As a result, internally, one is moved to also change, hopefully for the better. Thus the words of Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

This is really what human nature is all about—we are created to continually evolve—called to conversion each and every day. It is important to remember that when it comes to love, and what is truly good, honorable, and just, there is always room for growth! How much? That’s up to the individual—again it comes back to perception.

During Lent and throughout the year, the practicing, and living out, of what one believes, can, and often does, take so many forms. After all, faith is living… breathing… active. It is not intended to be stale, or fixed in place or time, but to be celebrated with body, heart, and mind. Not to be carried along, but to carry us through and to broaden the depth with which we see God, ourselves, and other, as one.

Seek, and you will find what brings you closer. It’s not about “should” or “if,” but rather what is. The journey is yours and God’s together. Trust, and you will discover.

Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar,
near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.
Jacob’s well was there.
Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well.
It was about noon.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water.
Jesus said to her,
“Give me a drink.”
His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.
The Samaritan woman said to him,
“How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?”
—For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.—
Jesus answered and said to her,
“If you knew the gift of God
and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink, ‘
you would have asked him
and he would have given you living water.”
The woman said to him,
“Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep;
where then can you get this living water?
Are you greater than our father Jacob,
who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself
with his children and his flocks?”
Jesus answered and said to her,
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again;
but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst;
the water I shall give will become in him
a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
The woman said to him,
“Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty
or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

Jesus said to her,
“Go call your husband and come back.”
The woman answered and said to him,
“I do not have a husband.”
Jesus answered her,
“You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’
For you have had five husbands,
and the one you have now is not your husband.
What you have said is true.”
The woman said to him,
“Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.
Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain;
but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”
Jesus said to her,
“Believe me, woman, the hour is coming
when you will worship the Father
neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
You people worship what you do not understand;
we worship what we understand,
because salvation is from the Jews.
But the hour is coming, and is now here,
when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth;
and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him.
God is Spirit, and those who worship him
must worship in Spirit and truth.”
The woman said to him,
“I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ;
when he comes, he will tell us everything.”
Jesus said to her,
“I am he, the one speaking with you.”

At that moment his disciples returned,
and were amazed that he was talking with a woman,
but still no one said, “What are you looking for?”
or “Why are you talking with her?”
The woman left her water jar
and went into the town and said to the people,
“Come see a man who told me everything I have done.
Could he possibly be the Christ?”
They went out of the town and came to him.
Meanwhile, the disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat.”
But he said to them,
“I have food to eat of which you do not know.”
So the disciples said to one another,
“Could someone have brought him something to eat?”
Jesus said to them,
“My food is to do the will of the one who sent me
and to finish his work.
Do you not say, ‘In four months the harvest will be here’?
I tell you, look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest.
The reaper is already receiving payment
and gathering crops for eternal life,
so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together.
For here the saying is verified that ‘One sows and another reaps.’
I sent you to reap what you have not worked for;
others have done the work,
and you are sharing the fruits of their work.”

Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him
because of the word of the woman who testified,
“He told me everything I have done.”
When the Samaritans came to him,
they invited him to stay with them;
and he stayed there two days.
Many more began to believe in him because of his word,
and they said to the woman,
“We no longer believe because of your word;
for we have heard for ourselves,
and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.” – John 4:5-42

In the Bank…

Pausing to notice the growing banks of snow around the house this morning, the distant past, a time when the banks were even taller, at least double the size, came to mind. It was a Sunday afternoon and after weeks with multiple storms, the time and effort spent helping to remove and reposition snow disappeared almost instantly. Suddenly, there we were, in a time and space where all that mattered was what we shared—from one side of the driveway to the other… from one heart to another, the anticipation, joy, and excitement in taking turns sitting at the top and then sliding down the “mountain” of snow.

In those moments, it seemed like such a simple thing that came to be. Yet, today, in the midst of shoveling heavy snow, it was a great reminder. There are always challenges and hard work along the way, and sometimes it can seem like there is no end in sight, or break to be had, but there always is. And, in life, all that ever really matters is the experiences we share and the spirit in which we share them.  

Love is the beauty of the soul. – Saint Augustine.

In Every Season…

Flowers and an icicle do not seem to fit together, and yet, they do, or they did yesterday.  From a distance, each called attention in its own manner, a splash and depth of color and a long, glass-like spear.

Up close, and from numerous angles, with the light, and contrasted against the background, the delicate nature of each made prominent. There were so many petals, all the same composition, with similar shapes, and tips with greater variation, but coming together as one in each flower.

Then, the icicle, seemingly one big, smooth flow of water, many molecules, frozen… stuck in time. Yet, stepping nearer, not so plain and clear, layers, twists, and turns coming together to create it.

The beauty of nature in all its various forms comes into presence, like life… like love… like God, in both the expected and unexpected ways.

Embracing the moment, quietly, silently, gratefully, and allowing it to saturate one’s being, is the beginning of knowing, exercising, and extending Love. It is true that Love is timeless, and for the times, but in order to carry on toward fruition, Love must be experienced and embodied. For one can only put forth that which resides within. This is why time, and the way in which it is used, or not, is of the essence.

In the midst of whatever season one might find oneself, the benefit of using, spending, making, or taking time to rest in the love of God, wherever and however it suits one best, is never wasted.

Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. — James Baldwin

Bright, Shining One…

In each moment of challenge, there is the Light, bright and shining.

A couple of days ago, I learned of the passing of a friend. Eileen… the meaning of her name, “bright, shining one,” so true to life. Yet, not in a way that one might think upon reading the words “bright” and “shining,” as if showy or seeking the center of attention. No, far different, in a quiet, and much more powerful way, “bright, and shining one” as in a welcoming, steady glow. A ray of light—exuding warmth and love… a faith-filled, calming presence.

Sometimes, maybe more often than we know, there is the blessing of those around us who reflect life in all its essence—persevering… trusting that in each moment, whether it is challenging or not, there is the Light, bright and shining. Unassuming… not intruding… patiently… peacefully… simply, beautifully present.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
to his wisdom there is no limit.
The Lord sustains the lowly;
the wicked he casts to the ground. – Psalm 147:6

How Often…

How often devotion becomes tangled up, and chained, to this or that, but mostly misdirection.    

Sidetracked, razor-focused, tunneling toward the goal.

How often the depth and scope of perspective shrinks toward misperception.

Moving forward… if today… if tomorrow… wait, can’t wait.

Closer in…

Look at yesterday.

Listen to today.

Learn for tomorrow.

No sight to be seen, no sound to be heard… so many, so much lost in the shadows of “light.”

Closing in…

Widen. Stop, human striving toward human understanding of perfection… imperfection!

Yes, be committed… be faithful, but underneath it all, hold onto God—justice for all.

Keep it real, keep it honest.

Be sure to know, check and see, from minute to hour, from day to year, to what, and to whom, allegiance is professing.

How often what we have is greater than nothing, and everything else that is more, is empty.

And, remember, in the end and in between, bow to no one, but bend to the One, and only One, whose Essence is within us.

How often the lost become truly found, while the “found” become lost in notions from afar.

The Next Chapter…

So what happened to Jonah? What did he do after delivering the message to “shape up” to the Ninevites?

First, he witnessed them take heed and repent. Next, he witnessed God shower them with mercy (Jonah 3:1-10). And then, in the next chapter, chapter 4, Jonah walked away, angry at God’s forgiveness and understanding of those “wicked” people of Nineveh. Why?

Jonah’s mind had already been made up about the Ninevites. That’s why he initially tried to run away from the mission God gave him (Jonah, chapter 2). Unsuccessful, though, and after being spewed from the belly of the fish, he ended up going to Nineveh to deliver God’s message to the people. And, exactly as Jonah expects, God ends up forgiving the Ninevites.

It’s interesting how God accepts the actions of the people of Nineveh as acknowledgement of their wrong doing, while Jonah, who had already determined the Ninevites did not deserve another chance, hardened his heart toward them and could not see or receive the spirit of their actions as a desire to make amends. That’s okay though, because as the story continues, we see more about God’s ways. Despite his lack of understanding or missing desire for mercy to extend to the Ninevites, God does not abandon Jonah either. Rather, God continues the conversation and keeps seeking to reach Jonah and his heart, the same as with the Ninevites.

The Book of Jonah reveals the story of a prophet whose name means “dove” in Hebrew. In a time when a desire for peace seems so great, for so many, it is important to remember that God’s embrace, and longing for ongoing, personal relationship with all creation, extends to all.  Yes, all!

God accepts those who accept and receive God, even when human beings can’t or won’t. Thank God! There are no exceptions, and only God can ever truly know what is in someone else’s heart.

But this greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry.

He prayed to the Lord, “O Lord, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I fled at first toward Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, repenting of punishment.

So now, Lord, please take my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.”

But the Lord asked, “Are you right to be angry?”

Jonah then left the city for a place to the east of it, where he built himself a hut and waited under it in the shade, to see what would happen to the city.

Then the Lord God provided a gourd plant. And when it grew up over Jonah’s head, giving shade that relieved him of any discomfort, Jonah was greatly delighted with the plant.

But the next morning at dawn God provided a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered.

And when the sun arose, God provided a scorching east wind; and the sun beat upon Jonah’s head till he became faint. Then he wished for death, saying, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

But God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry over the gourd plant?” Jonah answered, “I have a right to be angry—angry enough to die.”

Then the Lord said, “You are concerned over the gourd plant which cost you no effort and which you did not grow; it came up in one night and in one night it perished.

And should I not be concerned over the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot know their right hand from their left, not to mention all the animals?”

– Jonah 4:1-11

Give Us This Day…

In a couple of days, it will be the shortest day of the year for some people and the longest day of the year for others. On December 21st, in the Northern Hemisphere it will be the Winter Solstice and daylight hours will be fewer than any other day in the year, and at the same time, in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the Summer Solstice and daylight hours will be greater than any other day in the year. Other than in a geography class, long and far ago, I cannot say that I have ever really thought much about that prior to today. Yet, as I do, I think about how remarkable it is that no matter where one stands, and no matter how experiences may vary, far and wide, the promise is forever, and the parts, although they matter… they are never greater than the Whole.

The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her. – Luke 1:26-38

The Giving Tree…

During a time when much around the world seems off kilter and unbalanced, Advent waiting proceeds. And, as it does, a place where hearts come together shines bright. Spirit builds in the air, as angels sing, “Come! Come meet me at the giving tree!”

Tomorrow, December 6th, is the Feast of St. Nicholas. Often associated with gifts, and most especially charity, Nicholas and his designated day is one of the places where East meets West. Both Eastern and Western churches honor Nicholas.

So, in this year of many surprises, shocks, and great unknowns, as we continue to journey and navigate through the times in which we live, it seems so fitting that the patron saint of travelers, born one thousand seven hundred fifty years ago (in the year 270), is also one whose spirit of charity is known throughout the world, and whose name means, “victory of the people.”

For it truly is, in giving, hearts unite, and we receive. May God grant peace on Earth as we pray, St. Nicholas—victory of the people—pray for us.  

Do not ignore this one fact, beloved,
that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years
and a thousand years like one day.
The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,”
but he is patient with you,
not wishing that any should perish
but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief,
and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar
and the elements will be dissolved by fire,
and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.
Since everything is to be dissolved in this way,
what sort of persons ought you to be,
conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion,
waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames
and the elements melted by fire.
But according to his promise
we await new heavens and a new earth
in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, since you await these things,
be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. – 2 Pt 3:8-14

Deep Within…

As we trudge through November, moving steadily toward the end of what has been a tumultuous, pandemic ridden year, we enter into the season of Advent, a time of waiting and watching. What will come of this year? At a time when many of the measures of society appear to be unsettled or at all-time lows, what will be birthed? And, what will be unearthed in the weeks and months that lay ahead?

So much of this past year has turned into waiting and watching across a wide variety of areas (health, employment, housing, food security, finances, education, politics, etc.). Overall, at points along the way, waiting and watching have become like a couple of guests whose stay, long past welcome, has become exhausting.

Stretched beyond thin though, is often the best or most appropriate time to stay strong, listen, and hold on. For it is the precise time in which we are called to remain hopeful and to remember, it is not what is on the outside that matters most, but rather that which comes from within.

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’” – Mark 13:33-37