Believing

World View…

Walking through a store the other day, as I was browsing, I came across a world globe. As it caught my eye, I drew closer to it. Remembering from much younger years, and experiencing once again, a sense of joy and awe at the magnitude of the earth and all that it contains. Then, placing my hand on the globe, I began to spin it gently, looking more closely to see if it was a current day version or one from the past.

Despite its “old world” look, the globe was up to date in its representation of the countries of the world. Spinning the globe again, a little faster this time, I was struck by the smoothness of it and its spin. It is something how, what appears to be so smooth, can be so split and divided. Then as I began to walk away, I turned back. The globe no longing spinning now, still split and divided, but still together, still one planet.

It is amazing how God creates and sets things into motion, placing so many parts, of all kinds, together. Then, as different as they may be, and despite all that may go awry, hearts that truly seek goodness, find it.

Receive

The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For the Lord founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers…
Let the Lord enter… The Lord is king of glory. – Psalm 24

Each Other’s Worth…

Earlier in the week, I had the opportunity to visit an old friend whom I had not seen in some time. As we spoke and caught up with each other, we also reminisced. Then, at the end of our time together, with a mutual sense of joy and good will, we parted ways, looking forward to the next time.

Thinking back on the occasion, in the course of calling to mind and sharing our experiences of various situations, some similar, some not, more than anything, the Spirit stemming from our common ground, the essence of God within each of us, is what shaped and formed our time, making it special… enflaming peace and joy within.

In Scripture, it is written in more than one verse… in more than one book, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” The poet, Robert Southey, wrote, “No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other’s worth.” Each other’s worth…

It is interesting how over time, as we get to know people better and allow ourselves to search for, and strive to reach the place of common ground, it is easier to see and to connect, or re-connect, with the goodness in them, as well as within oneself, and to value each other. It is also interesting how, in some situations, it is much more challenging to connect with or to be open to continuing to look for that goodness when it may not be immediately apparent, or soon after approaching. It can be tempting to choose avoidance or to altogether close the door. However, we are often called to something higher than that. We are often called to keep looking, trusting in the value that God brings to the picture. And… we are called to let God be the judge.

Leaves

In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 23:39-43, it is written:

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
“Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us.”
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
“Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal.”
Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him,
“Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.”        

Coming Up Hearts…

Over the past few days, gusts of wind have relieved the trees of so many of their leaves. Yet there remains a branch, looking more like a vine, swaying in the wind, holding tight onto its leaves. While the branch seems unremarkable, lacking in the kind of color that captures one’s eye, the leaves are yellow, bringing brightness and light to an otherwise dreary backdrop.

As the wind carries on, and various other leaves fall from the trees, blown every which way, the branch and its yellow leaves remain together. No matter how hard the wind seems to try to strip them away, or apart from each other, through periods of rain and strong winds, it is not happening. They seem determined to stick together as they weather the storm, perhaps just as they did before it arrived. It is as if this branch and its heart-shaped leaves are thoroughly convinced and committed to one another, regardless of all that is, and has been, swirling around them, knowing that, come what may, Love that is true always prevails.

Hanging

Before the Lord the whole universe is as a grain from a balance
or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth.
But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things;
and you overlook people’s sins that they may repent.
For you love all things that are
and loathe nothing that you have made;
for what you hated, you would not have fashioned.
And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it;
or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you?
But you spare all things, because they are yours,
O Lord and lover of souls,
for your imperishable spirit is in all things!
Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little,
warn them and remind them of the sins they are committing,
that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O Lord!

– Wisdom 11:22-12:2

The Point of Letting Go…

“The jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry…” (1 Kings 17:16). Why? Because the Lord ordained it to be so.

In those days, Elijah the prophet went to Zarephath.
As he arrived at the entrance of the city,
a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her,
“Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.”
She left to get it, and he called out after her,
“Please bring along a bit of bread.”
She answered, “As the LORD, your God, lives,
I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar
and a little oil in my jug.
Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks,
to go in and prepare something for myself and my son;
when we have eaten it, we shall die.”
Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid.
Go and do as you propose.
But first make me a little cake and bring it to me.
Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son.
For the LORD, the God of Israel, says,
‘The jar of flour shall not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'”
She left and did as Elijah had said.
She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well;
the jar of flour did not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

– 1 Kings 17:10-16

God sent Elijah to the widow and her son during a period of famine. God’s plan, always, is to provide sustenance for those who are receptive to it. Oftentimes in order to receive the grace that God has in store, one must let go of something that is “other.” More often than not, it involves changing; adjusting, fine-tuning, or altogether shedding that which we may have resigned ourselves to holding onto.

Certainly, it would have been easy as well as justifiable for the widow at Zarephath to hold onto the last of her flour and oil rather than to share any portion of it with Elijah, the stranger in her midst. At first, it seems to be her intention to do just that. However, she listens to the prophet’s words and trusts the way in which they resonate with her.

Although the prophet, and the widow and her son are different, the same God leads each of them. It is in cooperation with God that they recognize this in each other, and in doing so, become one with the grace waiting to be bestowed upon them.

God calls and sends Elijah to a new place. The same God helps the widow to let go of what little she has, instead of clinging to it, and to trust that it will be enough for all… and it is.

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145 Reasons, and More…

As they sing, the birds convey a sense of joy as if to say, “All is well,” with a confidence that comes from deep within and extends far beyond the earth and sky. Listening to their song is like listening to a parable, a more basic or simple presentation of the message at hand. Divine messages, signs, evidence, or assurances are all around, all the time.

Despite this, human nature is consistently tempted to tend toward throwing up our hands when situations seem impossible or the odds seem stacked against us. Yet, time and again, and perhaps when we least expect it, the stars align and “I Am” shines ever bright, reminding us that all things are possible for and through God.

The disciples, Philip and Andrew, basically tell Jesus that there are too many people, too little money, and too few items of food (John 6:1-15). They believe the situation is impossible and that there is no way for them to make a difference. Instead of forgetting themselves (and what they may be capable of, or limited to, on their own), they forget who is with them—Jesus!

This reaction or response, when faced with needs that are greater than what is known or visibly available to meet them, is nothing new. In the Old Testament in the second book of Kings, it is written, “A man came from Baal-shalishah bringing the man of God twenty barley loaves made from the first fruits, and fresh grain in the ear. Elisha said, ‘Give it to the people to eat.’ But his servant objected, ‘How can I set this before a hundred?’ Elisha again said, ‘Give it to the people to eat, for thus says the LORD: You will eat and have some left over.’ He set it before them, and when they had eaten, they had some left over, according to the word of the LORD” (2 Kings 4:42-44).

Faith calls us to remember and to grow strong in our belief that when genuinely striving to be faithful to God, ultimately, the odds are with us. Faith calls us to think beyond ourselves and to say with our entire being, “I believe. Show me how. Show me the way, Jesus,” and then to listen, trusting as we follow, “The hand of the Lord feeds us, answering all our needs” (Psalm 145:16).

BlackbirdBerries

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee.
A large crowd followed him,
because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick.
Jesus went up on the mountain,
and there he sat down with his disciples.
The Jewish feast of Passover was near.
When Jesus raised his eyes
and saw that a large crowd was coming to him,
he said to Philip,
“Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?”
He said this to test him,
because he himself knew what he was going to do.
Philip answered him,
“Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough
for each of them to have a little.”
One of his disciples,
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him,
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish;
but what good are these for so many?”
Jesus said, “Have the people recline.”
Now there was a great deal of grass in that place.
So the men reclined, about five thousand in number.
Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks,
and distributed them to those who were reclining,
and also as much of the fish as they wanted.
When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples,
“Gather the fragments left over,
so that nothing will be wasted.”
So they collected them,
and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments
from the five barley loaves
that had been more than they could eat.
When the people saw the sign he had done, they said,
“This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.”
Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off
to make him king,
he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

– John 6:1-15

Hope Restored… Bridges Rebuilt… No Thing Impossible…

These days there is much that can cause one to say, “I see it, but I don’t believe it!” The unbelievable and unreal seem so common place. It is so much so that the far out or absurd is no longer shocking, but rather quietly, silently absorbed into what seems like the disintegrating fabric of society. However, amidst the clouds of confusion and within the fragments of sense and sensibility, there is faith. Sometimes waiting to be discovered or rekindled, sometimes on the verge of becoming more broad or deepened.

The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own
but they had everything in common.
With great power the apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need. – Acts 4:32-35

Unbelievable! Not only a community of believers, but one of the same heart and mind working and living side-by-side. Unity… accepting differences, learning from each other, and using the ways in which we are unique (our God-given gifts and talents) to strengthen us as we strive toward a common goal (to love God, and to love one another). Unity! So wonderful, but seemingly impossible in our times. One might say, “I won’t believe it, until I see it.”

The disciple Thomas essentially said, “I won’t believe it, until I see it” (John 20:19-31). Perhaps all that he had experienced and witnessed in his life along with his knowledge of Jesus and the crucifixion, coupled with dashed hopes and shattered expectations, led Thomas to the conclusion that things were broken beyond repair. Perhaps, “I won’t believe it, until I see it,” was, “My hopes have been crushed…my trust broken. My heart cannot take any more… I need to see it (proof) for myself.” And what is Jesus’ response? He gives Thomas what he needs, and then reminds him, as well as us, to keep the faith—believe. Despite what you may or may not see, believe.

With God, there is always hope and, where there is an open heart and mind, there is nothing… absolutely nothing beyond some kind of repair.

Our life is full of brokenness – broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives.

– Henri Nouwen

Bridge

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

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

Getting Out of the Boat…

As a young child I recall being afraid to swim after seeing the movie about a great white shark that was striking terror along the shores of the fictional town of Amity Island. As I think back on it now, I find it rather funny because at that time the bulk of my swimming was in an in-ground pool. Still though, there was a drain at the bottom of the pool and my young mind could envision the possibility of some creature getting in through it and pulling me down into the great abyss that was the deep end of the pool. As impossible as it might have been for what I imagined to occur, as a child I was genuinely afraid of this; it was very real to me.

In the Gospel passage where Jesus walks on water, the disciples are described as being “terrified” and we are told, “they cried out in fear,” at the sight of what they initially perceived to be a ghost. They had already been startled by their boat being rocked around by powerful winds in the pre-dawn hours of the day. Then, with an already heightened sense of apprehension, they see something walking toward them… on the water!

Whether young, old, or in between, we all have things that frighten us. Like the disciples, we are all prone to becoming even more unsettled once already unnerved. This is why it is so important to strive to be centered, and to recognize when we are not.

The disciples learn that it is Jesus who is walking toward them and they hear his words, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Perhaps they are at least temporarily reassured. However, Peter checks the situation out a little further. “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Peter believes if Jesus commands something of him, no matter what it is it will be possible for him to do it… and it is, but only so long as Peter stays focused on the Lord. Once he becomes distracted, just like us, he falters. Still though, he does not sink all the way, and neither do we. When we call out, the Lord is there to catch us, to set us on our feet again, to show us the way, and to save us from all that would seek to do us in.

Sometimes it can be challenging to know in what direction to proceed and how to receive and respond to the world around us. Rest assured though, when our inner compass is set on the Lord, we can and will find our way.

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat
and precede him to the other side,
while he dismissed the crowds.
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
When it was evening he was there alone.
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,
was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.

During the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.
“It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.
At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter said to him in reply,
“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come.”

Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter,
and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
After they got into the boat, the wind died down.

Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,
“Truly, you are the Son of God.” – Matthew 14:22-33

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Painting by the late Fr. Bob Lindsay, SJ

Possibilities…

It seems that so much in life begins with believing. In order to accomplish just about anything one has to believe that the task or the dream envisioned is possible. Otherwise, it would not be attempted.

In addition, what one believes often determines how one views and responds to the world and its happenings. Throughout history, many a person has heard the words, “that’s impossible,” only to prove them wrong. Why is it that where one person may see a dead end and nothing further that another sees possibility and options to be explored?

There is often a drive or a spirit that cannot be denied. It leads the way for the one who truly believes. Sometimes it is for good and at other times, not so much.

In The Minpins, Roald Dahl wrote, “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” While this was written in a children’s book about a fictional community living high up in a tree, it is applicable to life on the ground and in reality. There is a great sense of direction, inner strength and wisdom that can come with believing.

Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, went to Jesus in the dark of night, seeking the truth—light. In their conversation, Jesus said to him,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” – John 3:16-18

Nicodemus heard these words, but did he believe them? More importantly, do we believe them?

Nicodemus started the whole conversation with Jesus by stating what he knew (John 3:2). It seems that his knowledge prompted him to seek out Jesus—Light in the dark of the night. However, it was more than that. Both his mind and his heart were open.

How do our minds and hearts lead us? How do they shape our actions?

We are called not only to seek, but also to live in the Truth and Light. Do we really believe this, and how do we allow it to inspire and influence us as we go about our way each day?

We are different, but at the same time we are alike… all created in the image of God, and as such, in the same image of Jesus and blessed with the Holy Spirit to guide us. How bright the world can shine, one person at a time, when we embrace that place, and live from it.

Brothers and sisters, rejoice.
Mend your ways, encourage one another,
agree with one another, live in peace,
and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the holy ones greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

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