Being in the moment

Receive Each Moment…

Driving on the highway on a clear but overcast winter morning one moment. Aimlessly sliding across lanes in the next. But through the grace of God, control was regained and the trip continued. In an instant, never mind a day or more, all sorts of things such as situations, environments, etc. can change drastically.

We can know that something is coming and do our best to prepare for it. For example, cold weather can bring icy conditions. Yet even being aware and extra careful, one can’t make any, and all, ice on a road or highway visible to the naked eye. And sometimes, like it or not, there is ice that’s both invisible and inescapable, extending across a road.

So, what’s one to do in these kinds of unavoidable situations? Shrink away from them? Or face them?

The fact of the matter is that there isn’t any one way or one answer for most things. However, there is always a best way to meet the moment. And oftentimes, arriving at it requires relinquishing the notion of control. Whether sliding across the highway in the cold, or steering the wheel on a warm, sunny day, it is the grace and love of God that sustains us.

We all have experiences that can shake us, literally and in other ways. Ones that can create anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and more. Yet, in all of them, we may not be in control, but we always have a choice(s). We can always strive to focus on what is best, what is possible, and most especially the spirit in which we proceed.

Last week’s Gospel was about the Wedding feast at Cana (John 2:1-11). When Mary tells Jesus that the wine has run out, he responds in part, “My hour has not yet come.” Yet, Mary still tells the waiters to do as Jesus tells them. Jesus instructs the waiters. They follow his instructions—essentially becoming part of the miracle—and through the grace of God, the problem is resolved. It wasn’t time… but it was. The time for the goodness of God—love, mercy, compassion, etc.—is always.

In the Gospel for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21), we start by going back to the beginning of Luke’s Gospel. We are reminded of Luke’s motivation. In his own words, he is striving to preserve an accurate account of Jesus life and ministry. And part of that account follows as we read about Jesus in the time after his baptism and temptation in the desert.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,
and news of him spread throughout the whole region.
He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. – Luke 4:14-15

What do you imagine Jesus, “in the power of the Spirit,” was like? What characteristics would you use to describe someone in the power of the Holy Spirit?

As the Gospel continues, Jesus enters the temple in Nazareth and proceeds to read from the scroll handed to him—the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:17-21

Take some time to think about what you have learned and come to know about Jesus’s life and ministry. In what ways did Jesus’s words and actions fulfill this passage? How have you experienced these and other qualities of Jesus?

Whether it was at the wedding feast in Cana, in the temple in Nazareth, or elsewhere, and no matter what time it was, the Spirit in which Jesus lived and ministered was consistent and unwavering. And at the same time, he was fluid in meeting the moment with love and mercy, lifting all up as the glory of God, rather than making it his own.

Jesus’s life and teachings show us that the moment is always upon us, and the times is always right, to reflect the goodness of God. And more than that, our time is ours only thru the grace of God, and as such, it is always ripe with opportunity to be an expression of love and mercy in the world.

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me. – St. Ignatius, Suscipe

There’s Always Room for Grace…

Upon reaching the Fourth Sunday of Advent, tempted to jump ahead or enticed toward being caught up in the final material touches that accompany Christmas and holiday celebrations is not an uncommon place to find oneself. Between day-in-day-day-out responsibilities and all that comes with the holidays, it can be hard to juggle all the things that call or try to call one’s attention at this time of year. However, taking some time to consider and pray with your desire for experiencing the peace and joy of this holy season as well as God’s desire for you, and then taking even just a few moments here and there throughout the coming week(s) can make a big difference.

At this time of year, it may seem like things, whether gifts, gestures, or responses, need to big, or bigger, or not at all. Yet, looking the readings for today (Micah 5:1-4a; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Hebrews 10:5-10; and Luke 1:39-45), they are a reminder of the most important part of all—the Source of peace and joy. And perhaps they can also be seen as an invitation to take notice of the source of one’s motivation and the state of one’s heart.

From the Book of Micah, we read:

“But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah least among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times.” – Micah 5:1

When thinking of a ruler or a king, it’s natural to think in terms of grandeur. And in general, it seems human nature to be attracted to that which is, in some way, big, bright, or shiny. It’s easier to notice or pay attention to things that are “in your face” so to speak. Yet, the Prince of Peace is to come from the least among Judah’s clans.

In what ways are you open to the unexpected throughout the holidays? How do you desire to receive them as well as to recognize beauty and grandeur in both the big and the smaller moments?

The response for the Psalm is:

“Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.” – Psalm 80:4

Take some time to reflect on, and pray with, the ways that the Lord restores, renews, and refreshes you. As you think about the coming week and the continuing holiday season, what are the places or situations where you might feel hesitant, anxious, or less inclined toward? Invite Jesus into these spaces and allow your heart and mind to be open to the direction toward which the Lord wishes to inspire you.

In the Letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul writes:

When Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.’” – Hebrews 10:5-7

And in the Gospel according to Luke, Elizabeth is described as being “filled with the Holy Spirit” as she cries out:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” – Luke 1:42-45

What are some of the ways that the Holy Spirit has guided or enlightened you along the way this year?

Remembering that Mary has come to see Elizabeth after being visited by the Angel, Gabriel, and having responded yes to God’s will, what’s it like when you contemplate how the way that Mary responds—her will embracing God’s will and the two becoming One—extends beyond her and impacts others?

How are you affected or inspired by the notion that God’s will for Mary, is also God’s will for humanity?

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. – Luke 1:38

Beloved Moments…

There’s something about climbing a mountain, of any kind, that lends itself to leaning in. Stepping ahead, slowing down, gaining traction, sometimes even resting. Hints here and there—leading, reaching, stretching—all progress in this journey.

There’s something about climbing a mountain, of any kind, that lends itself to letting go. Noticing moments filled with movement; movement filled with moments. Some are silent and others not. Some are focused more than others. A mix of sorts, obstacles slowly falling away, leaving room for air as well as airing.

There’s something about climbing a mountain, of any kind, that lends itself to learning. Exploring ups and downs, reflecting on what’s over, up ahead, or coming around. Changing ever changing, discovering what’s important and tossing what is not.

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” – Mt 17:1-9

Trust in Faith…

Out of place,
But right at home,
Very much at ease.
More than content
To simply be,
Like flowers will
And often do.
Accepting grace,
Blooming faith.
Paying homage,
Chosen, yes, chosen,
And gently put in place.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

All of Life…

All of life,
Carried in the waves.
What’s new is old,
And tried and true.
It’s poetry in motion.
Rising, falling, floating,
Running, if not rolling,
Always on the move.
A little here,
A little there,
All around,
and everywhere.

All of life,
Carried in the waves,
And held together by Perfection.

Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Mt 6:34