Being authentic

Then, Look Around…

First, listen, and then, look around. Allowing one’s senses to take in and sincerely contemplate the happenings of a day can be challenging, never mind those of the times. Yet, it is these happenings that impact not just our own personal space, but also extend beyond what we might imagine. They are like sound waves rippling outward and amplified, stirring the air all around us.

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time begin with a passage from the Book of Jonah (Jon 3:1-5, 10) where the initially resistant prophet Jonah warns the people of Nineveh of their impending doom. However, just like Jonah who was previously swallowed up and in darkness (in the gut of a whale), the people of Nineveh see it fit to change their course, let go of their way, and open their hearts and minds more fully to God.

In Psalm 25, the psalmist expresses a desire to understand and to live by the ways of the Lord. The psalmist prays for God, who is faithful, compassionate, merciful, good, and upright, to teach them how to embody and live by the same ways. For this to happen though, like Jonah and the people of Nineveh, the psalmist realizes they must let go of the old (acknowledge and turn over their trespasses to God) to be more fully open to God. And thus, to live more fully as one created in the image of God, abiding by, and living in God’s ways.

In chapter 7 of St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, the people of Corinth are urged to pay attention as time is of the essence. The passage (verses 29-31) begins with, “I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is running out.” and ends with, “For the world in its present form is passing away.“.  In between, St. Paul writes:

“From now on, let those having wives act as not having them,
those weeping as not weeping,
those rejoicing as not rejoicing,
those buying as not owning,
those using the world as not using it fully.”

Perhaps what St. Paul is warning the Corinthians, and us, about, is being consumed by anything or anyone. He is calling us to be careful about what holds our attention, not to become self-consumed or fixated on anyone or anything earthly, as all of it is bound by time, is imperfect, and therefore passes away. Focus instead on that which is timeless—God and God’s ways.

This leads to the Gospel passage, Jesus’ announcement of the Kingdom of God as being at hand, and the call of the disciples Simon, Andrew, James, and John (Mark 1: 14-20). The disciples are busy, at work, mending their nets. This is useful work, but God had other work in mind for them at that time. Jesus reaffirms them in that yes, they are fishermen. However, he redirects them to being “fishers of men,” but again as we saw in the other readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, only if they will it as well. With Jesus, as with God, no one is ever forced to choose God and God’s ways. And although the time is now, the essence of God is that Time is not rushed or pressured (there is no act swiftly or lose out), and perhaps most importantly, Time is faithful, compassionate, merciful, good and upright, patient, and always open to change.

Make known to me your ways, Lord;
teach me your paths.
Guide me by your fidelity and teach me,
for you are God my savior,
for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your compassion and your mercy, O Lord,
for they are ages old.
Remember no more the sins of my youth;
remember me according to your mercy,
because of your goodness, Lord.

Good and upright is the Lord,
therefore he shows sinners the way,
He guides the humble in righteousness,
and teaches the humble his way. – Psalm 25:4-9

Lights in the World…

Leaning into Fall, the trees embrace the Essence of their nature. Season after season, year after year, who’s to say on time, or in time? Either way, waiting without edge, trusting in the beauty of Your time as you gently reveal the colors, so many colors, of Your way.

Beacon calling out to one and all alike, remember: life is but a spectrum, at its fullest and shining bright, when casting out the shadows, fears, and doubts. Your light so much stronger than the decay, rising up and out from far below.

It’s time to recognize again who we really are. So much alike, created to be different, but not with indifference or carrying any shades of hate. Loved into existence, the vision of Your eye. Side by side, each and every one of us are vessels of Your grace, and we all have a place.

Holy God, Most High Creator, hold us all together, unite us in Your heart… in our hearts.    

Shine like lights in the world as you hold on to the word of life. – Phil 2:15d, 16a

Bearing Fruit…

Questions upon questions.
Sitting still, or idly sitting?
With, or at, each other?
Whether picking, picked, or chosen,
The answer is the same.
Apples of God’s eye.
Desire of desires.

Fruit bearing fruit,
Fruit bearing with fruit.
A breath of fresh air,
A dose of patience,
Perseverance too.
From the heart of One
To another, then another.

All searching for some peace,
While time is fast escaping.
All in One, One in all,
History that is shared,
Spirits called together.
Even when far apart,
Destiny is waiting.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another. – John 15:16-17

Stepping Up, Stepping Out…

Having stood next to the falls of Niagara and experiencing with awe the rainbows and mists as well as their thunderous rage, even in a controlled setting, the words of Dr. Seuss, “So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act…”, came to mind upon seeing the painting below.

Imagining the amount of focus, control, and awareness crossing the falls step by step on a wire, once again the word “awe” best captures the impression.

Sitting with the readings for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, these same words “focus”, “control”, and “awareness” provide an opportunity for further reflection on relationship with God. In the first reading (Is 56:1, 6-7), we are reminded of what one can control—“Observe what is right, do what is just;” (v. 1)—one’s own actions; what one’s focus ought to be—joining, ministering, loving, serving the Lord (v. 6); and an awareness through which we ought to live—”For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (v. 7)—striving toward the same kind of faithfulness to love and equity with which God bestows upon us.

In the responsorial Psalm (Ps 67:2-3,5,6,8), the psalmist cries out, “O God, let all the nations praise you!” (v. 4). The verses resonate or echo the desire to live up to and embrace what the Lord has said through the Prophet Isaiah in the first reading. They call for inclusivity and equity among God’s people—all those who observe what is right and do what is just, join, minister, love, and serve.

With the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, St. Paul reminds us that love and mercy go hand in hand. This is especially important to consider when forming opinions and discerning choices.

Brothers and sisters:
I am speaking to you Gentiles.
Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles,
I glory in my ministry in order to make my race jealous
and thus save some of them.
For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world,
what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
Just as you once disobeyed God
but have now received mercy because of their disobedience,
so they have now disobeyed in order that,
by virtue of the mercy shown to you,
they too may now receive mercy.
For God delivered all to disobedience,
that he might have mercy upon all. –  Rom 11:13-15, 29-32

It is the grace of mercy that calls one to exercise an understanding heart, and the grace of love and mercy together that move one toward what is just.

In the Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 15:21-28), the story of the Canaanite woman, provides an example of the grace of God in response to an authentic desire for what is good and just. The Canaanite woman believes that Jesus can heal her daughter and does not allow the fact that she is not Jewish or that Jesus initially seems to turn her away, to dissuade her from seeking that healing and engaging in dialogue not only to ask for what her faith has led her to believe, but also to ask a question that ends up revealing Jesus ministry as being for all people. The woman and Jesus, like God the Father throughout many Bible passages, show an openness to dialogue, propensity toward flexibility with a fixed focus on love and mercy, self-control through respect and consideration in truly listening to each other, and an awareness that flows from a relationship or interactions where all parties have an authentic desire for what is good and just.

Looking again to the tightrope walker, how do they keep their balance? The one pictured above is holding a pole with both hands and using it to maintain their center of gravity, and therefore their balance. At this time in your life, how are you holding onto God, and God onto you? In what ways is God your center of gravity, helping you to focus, exhibit self-control, and have awareness for what is good and just? In what areas do you need God more as your center of gravity? What are some of the ways in which faith has helped you maintain your balance in terms of living and striving to live in a way that exemplifies mercy and love of God, neighbor, and self?

“Thus understanding and love, that is, the knowledge of and delight in the truth, are, as it were, the two arms of the soul, with which it embraces and comprehends with all the saints the length and breath, the height and depth, that is the eternity, the love, the goodness, and the wisdom of God.” – St. Bernard of Clairvaux

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,
“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!
My daughter is tormented by a demon.”
But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.
Jesus’ disciples came and asked him,
“Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”
He said in reply,
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”
He said in reply,
“It is not right to take the food of the children
and throw it to the dogs.”
She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters.”
Then Jesus said to her in reply,
“O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be done for you as you wish.”
And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour. – Mt 15:21-28

What Is…

As the leaves made their way to each other,
Stretching out from the branches that held them up,
Creating a barrier, distorting all that lay behind,
The air among them became thick, and hazy too.
It’s true what’s lost is found, but so too,
Is it true that some things are better lost,
Or rather not found but overcome.
Not all things that return are welcome,
Nor should they be.
What binds One and all together, that’s what is Supreme.
Enlightening to the soul,
Expanding hearts and minds,
Extending a will that is free,
Created to stand up and do more than just survive.
Yes, the meek shall inherit the earth,
But not by turning eyes from the blind,
As they pounce and plunder,
Putting down and shutting out,
Igniting fires that are not Divine.
What is True, what is Just,
Brings together and raises up,
Working things out to what is best.
These are the tests of our times.
Never mind what’s yours, what’s mine.
What is True, what is Just,
Beckons one and all.
It shall not shrink… it shall not sink.
These are the tests of our times.

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. – Mt 10:39

Ignited by the Spirit…

Do you recall being in a group of people, partaking in an experience, whatever it might have been, and having anything that might normally serve to create a wedge or cause a disturbance, fade away? What was that like?

Oftentimes, when such experiences occur, it’s because there is a shared focus and desire that outweighs all the things that might otherwise interfere and distract individuals away from being influenced by the Spirit that moves them toward embracing what is mutually beneficial to all. In other words, it happens when one lets go and detaches from being driven by what is more immediately self-serving or earthly. This then leaves room to be led by the Spirit.

In chapter 2 of the Acts of the Apostle’s, it is written,

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.
At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd,
but they were confused
because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
They were astounded, and in amazement they asked,
“Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?
Then how does each of us hear them in his native language?” – Acts 2:4-8

This is an example of the Spirit breaking down barriers that would seek to prevent the Good News from being shared, lived, and spread across the face of the earth. Reading on, we learn more about the many different places from which the crowd came. Undoubtedly, they also had different ideas on how to live and how to go about doing things.

We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites,
inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene,
as well as travelers from Rome,
both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs,
yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues
of the mighty acts of God.” – Acts 2:9-11

What’s it like to contemplate the way that the Spirit enabled the disciples of Jesus, who were, for all intents and purposes, more alike than not, to communicate with those who spoke different languages and were foreign to them?

Notice how the Spirit enabled the disciples, and further defined the notion of discipleship, to become more diverse while at the same time bringing about greater unity. Also consider the posture of the disciples. In chapter 1 of the Acts of the Apostles, we read that they, “devoted themselves with one accord to prayer” and we see that play out in the choice of Matthias to join them (v. 15-26) as well as in their choices going forward. Again, they are united in prayer with hearts that desire to be led to “do the right thing” (what is good and just) more so than choosing based on personal preference or bias. This is what happens when there is a genuine striving to do what is best.

On this Pentecost, in a world that continues to face such great division and strife, the words of Thomas Merton seem so appropriate, “My dear brothers and sisters, we are already one. But we imagine we are not. And what we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be, is what we are.”

Take some time to meditate on these words. Pray with what comes to mind and how your heart is moved. What does the Spirit want to show you?

When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. – Ps 104:30

Ascending…

In the perpetual quest
So quietly pursued,
Rising up and reaching out.
Catching to the eye,
Inviting to the soul,
A symbol and a sign,
Whether seen by one or not.

Aspiring to something greater.
Ascending from the earth,
Leaving worms to worm it out.
So simple, yet so not.

Seeking to be found,
Finding what is sought,
Staying true, ever knowing,
Not so much is all that deep.
Not so much is lasting.

The earth is crying,
Tearing everywhere,
Calling out for something real.
Not just some trick or worse,
Not a passing trend or racket.

And authenticity, if it’s true,
Can’t be bought.

May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to God’s call. (Ephesians 1:18)

Emmaus…

Today, April 22, 2023, as we head into the 3rd Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Earth Day. The earth has been around for over 4.5 billion years, and Earth day? It has been celebrated for 53 years—since 1970.

Despite the comparatively young age of Earth Day, an appreciation for, and the call to honor and preserve the beauty of our planet, nature, and all creation has been ongoing for a far greater time than has been documented. In fact, it’s part of the plan, and path of life. Yet, as with many things, it can become a battle ground… a place for sides to be formed, to rise up against each other, to hold firm, to lose sight, and to stall any attempts at dialogue and resolution, never mind love and mercy.

In the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (Acts 2:14, 22-23; Ps 16:1-2,5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; 1 Pt 1:17-21, and Lk 24:13-35), there lies an invitation to connect more strongly with the path of life as being bigger, and sweeping more broadly, than the circle in which any one individual, or group, travels. So often when we think we know, we don’t. The issues at hand are always more than what we can see, and the way that any one individual may or may not be affected, cannot be used to color the experience of all of humankind. How, after all, is it possible to be open to Divinity, without being open to possibilities?

Turning to Scripture, it seems that those who sought to crucify Jesus, were so sure that he was a threat. It’s clear that His ways were not in line enough with theirs and one can imagine how that might jeopardize their sense of identity, authority, power, and control. We can see how their ability to move in ways that embraced and imbued love, truth, justice, and mercy was hindered by their inability to recognize that they were seeing and acting through their own, limited understanding. There was no room for God on the path to which they were so deeply committed, and this led to them receiving and reacting in fear and seeking even greater control, rather than responding with love.

On the other hand, Jesus, who reacted with love and was inspired by God, could not be held down, even by death.

This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God,
you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.
But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death,
because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
For David says of him:
I saw the Lord ever before me,
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;
my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence. – Acts 2:23-28

This is the message of our faith, and the model that we are to follow. Our faith and hope is to be placed in God, and doing so, our words and actions will reflect the Way of God. The Way where our eyes are opened and our hearts burn with desire to be in the service of Love, wherever it leads.

On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples requested of Jesus, “Stay with us” (Lk 24:29).

In our striving, we must do the same, and like the disciples, we must also leave room for the breaking of bread and having hearts that are open to receive, with the love of Jesus, whatever may be revealed.

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

Be Thou My Vision…

Sitting in the audience as the story continues to unfold, there is a scene where one character calls out, asking, will you love me either way? Do you care if I win, or if I lose? Then comes the response, something along the lines of, to be honest, I don’t really care about those kinds of things.

Thinking about this exchange, it’s interesting how importance is assigned and judgments are made that are often based upon our (society’s) lack of understanding. And, in the process, these “ideals” often stir up false notions of what is good, righteous, and true, and even worse, they often fuel fear, in the competition to keep or attain the imaginary security living up to them brings.

The scripture readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent show how these false ideals can lead to fear and judgment and get in the way of actual goodness, righteousness, and truth.

In the first reading (1 Samuel 16:1-13), we learn how David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons, was chosen by God to be anointed by Samuel. Upon encountering Jesse and his sons, Samuel’s assumption is that the one to be anointed will have certain characteristics that could be judged at first sight. However, it is written, “God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The Lord looks into the heart.” (v. 7b). It turns out that the last, and least likely to be judged as the chosen one, is in fact, chosen, and for qualities that cannot be readily seen.

As we go through life, we are constantly subject to judgment based on external values (clothing, education, mode of transportation, location of and type of housing, etc.). We are constantly being marketed to and pulled toward someone else’s notion of how to be and someone else’s definition of success. We also hear so much about first impressions.
None of these things, however, really inform anyone of the most important feature of humankind—the heart, or the most important voice—that of the Creator. They are almost always based upon the external, and often look past qualities that convey deeper meaning, value, and purpose.

In Psalm 23, verses 1-6, it is written, “The Lord guides me along the way of righteousness.” (v. 3b). These words encourage us to trust, like David, that the path of righteousness is made known to us through God. If we were to look solely at man-made ideas about what’s important and how to live, depending on where we were and who we were surrounded by, we might be okay, but even if we were, the person or people leading us, would still be susceptible to falling away from what is good, just, and true. So, it’s important to have a relationship with God and to entrust oneself to the One who really knows the way that is best, and whose focus is the well-being of all hearts and souls.

St. Paul expands on this notion in the Letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 5:8-14), when he writes, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.” (v. 8-9).

When we look to the Gospel According to John (chapter 9, verses 1-41), we see the Pharisees, on the surface, defending the faith. However, what they are really defending is a way of operating that breeds fear and judgment and seeks to confine, control, and conform God’s ways to their ways. How do we know this?

Looking at the actions and responses of the Pharisees, we can see how they treat the blind man who was healed, his parents, and Jesus. Their hearts are closed. At one point, they say to the blind man who can now see (because of Jesus), “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” (v. 34). After saying this, they removed the man from their presence. All for answering them truthfully, when he was interrogated for a second time and said, “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.” (v. 30-33).

During this Season of Lent, it’s a great time to reflect on our words and actions, and with this Sunday’s Scripture passages, an even better time to consider how fear and judgment come into play in what we see and how we respond.

Be Thou My Vision, performed by Audrey Assad

Considering All Things Under The Sun…

Bound south on a highway,
But still looking up,
Such a beautiful bridge,
Sleek and strong,
Yet even it can’t contain the sky.
From arc to bow and then its arch,
A towering touché, but still,
Not missing a pace,
It trusts and holds in place,
Still, it knows its place.

Continuing south, only now on a byway,
Only now, looking out,
Such a beautiful scene.
Ocean all around,
Deep and dark blue,
Carrying sparkles of light.
Then, a group of rocks
Hanging out in the seaweed
As it sways with each movement.
There’s a smaller one in the middle
On which three creatures steadily wait.
Still looking out and
Taking in a magnificent sight,
So peaceful and quiet,
Inside and out.
Next, I see them looking up.
Another touché, but still,
Not missing a pace,
They trust and hold in place,
Still, they know their place.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. – Mt 11:29