Reading the responsorial psalm for Palm Sunday and the response, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Psalm 22:2) my mind is immediately filled with thoughts of the dear, innocent people of Ukraine whose lives have been taken, trampled upon, and upended, most recently over the course of the past several weeks, as well as for the dear, innocent people throughout the world who each day suffer such cruel and unjust treatment at the hands of others. It’s hard to comprehend how, with all the advances humankind has made in the past 2,000 years, the same hatred that slithered its way into the hearts and minds of those who sought to crucify Jesus, still exists, and that acts of such cruelty and utter disregard for humanity are still carried out.
It’s hard to understand, but perhaps that’s the point. It’s not understandable. What we are witnessing is the devastation that comes in situations where the heart of the matter—we are One—is lost; overruled by greed, hatred, lust for power, and indifference. Yet, at the same time, we are witnessing the heart of the matter—we are One—rising up, calling out… alive and well in the spirit of unity seen in those who stand up, reach out, sacrifice, and stand together.
The Passion of the Lord is about reclamation and answering that call.
Reflecting on the Passion of the Lord in the Gospel according to Luke (chapters 22-23), how do you bring your thoughts and feelings about all that is happening in the world today to God? Where do you meet Jesus? In what ways do you accompany Jesus in his Passion? And how do you draw inspiration and strength from the journey?
Sitting with the readings for the second Sunday of Lent, like an old friend, the word “Trust” enters the room with a warm smile and as if to say, “Remember me… remember when…” So much of life is about trust and so often, it seems to come down to whom or what one trusts, to what degree, how that trust is received, and the impact or consequences of its handling.
As human beings, we share in a perfectly, imperfect nature, as we navigate life in, and surrounded by, a competitive, material world. It can be tempting to think or feel, even if subconsciously, that there is something we can do about anything happening around us at any time; that a level of control is always within our grasp. We may even look to capture the things that we, as human beings, think will help us to have that control. Yet, the only control we ever really have, and the only victory ever really won, is in choices that we make to trust in God’s ways and to let go, or shed the impulse or notion that any one interest outranks everyone’s interest.
In the ninth chapter of the Gospel according to Luke, Peter, John, and James ascend the mountain with Jesus and share in the experience of his transfiguration. In the passage prior to this one, while explaining what it means to be a disciple, Jesus says, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?” (Lk 9:25). Looking at the circumstances in the world today, one can clearly see that there is no profit in profiteering, only loss for everyone.
Think about what it must have been like for Peter, John, and James to hear Jesus’ words about discipleship and then to witness his transfiguration seeing him stand alongside the prophets, Moses and Elijah.
Looking to today’s world, when it seems there is nothing to do, or there is no good way to stop what is already in motion, perhaps the best place to start is to forget control, then pause to go back and remember the beginning. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain to pray. One can only wonder, what was in their hearts as they placed their trust in Jesus and followed him up that mountain. One can only wonder how they received what happened and what they carried in their hearts on the way down, and thereafter.
How does your trust in Jesus shape your choices, create unity, express love, and spread goodwill? Connecting with Jesus as an old friend greeting you with a warm smile, how would you proceed from the phrase, “Remember me… remember when…?”
Share with Jesus what you carry in your heart as you reflect on the world we live in, and the journey you are on within it.
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. – Lk 9:28b-36
Stature… status… standing… are just a few of the words that the readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time bring to the forefront as being of great disservice to one and all.
In the Book of Wisdom, the competition is highlighted, and the plot is foreshadowed—how to be rid of the one who is Justice and Mercy—Jesus.
The wicked say: Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he sets himself against our doings, reproaches us for transgressions of the law and charges us with violations of our training. Let us see whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him. For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes. With revilement and torture let us put the just one to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him. – Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
We all have moments where we disagree with, or feel offended by others, but where is the line that crosses over toward wicked? Perhaps, more importantly, what is it that leads one to feel that another human being is so intolerable, especially (in Jesus’s case) for being true to God and serving Love in both words and actions?
In the second reading, the Letter of James presents the dangers of being drawn into focusing on stature, status, and standing. It is a warning that ill-conceived competition is what wreaks havoc. The author makes a call, or a plea, to look more closely at the ways in which human beings are driven apart and put up against each other instead of being led by grace toward community, communion, and the greater glory of God.
Beloved: Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. – James 3:16-4:3
Finally, in chapter nine of the Gospel according to Mark, the exclamation point! Jesus proclaims that human striving is not to be the rising in stature, status, and standing, but in fact, the opposite. That is, to embrace our fellow human beings in both our words and actions… making room, lending a hand, and beholding all that’s in one’s spirit as a child, the channel of God’s love and kindness.
Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.
They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.” – Mark 9:30-37
Thinking about the great divides in all that’s going on around the world today, so much seems to be created from the tunnel vision that comes with primarily focusing on protecting one’s perceived stature, status, and/or standing. However, just as over 2,000 years ago, the biggest threat and obstacle one must ever overcome, is oneself.
Seek to be led by Justice and Mercy, serve and trust in the grace and glory of God, and remember always, “The Lord upholds my life” (Psalm 54:6b).
I remember as a young student feeling fascinated as I learned all about the human heart, its functions and their importance. I was most amazed by the strength of the heart and its capacity, pumping 2,000 gallons of blood each day throughout the body. It wouldn’t be until years later that my amazement would become even greater in coming to understand the heart’s greatest asset—the rhythm, steady and strong, seeking to draw one closer, revealing God, and yearning not only to keep the connection of love, peace, and healing going, but also to help it to thrive without bounds. As the 13th century Persian poet, Rumi, wrote, “Love is the bridge between you and everything.”
In chapter 7 of the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus says to the Pharisees,
“Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:
This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines human precepts.
You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” (Mk 7:6-8)
Jesus is calling on them to be honest… to look more closely and to see that their hearts are not leading them in union with God. Their love has become misplaced. It is self-serving and focused on what is earthly rather than what is truly, right and just. Their words and actions do not come together to reflect the beauty of God’s goodness—the law that is placed in every heart—dignity, care, and love of all who are placed alongside us whether in location, heart, or mind.
This same love is what the author of the Letter of James is calling people to when he writes,
“Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath,
for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.
Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.
Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” – Jas 1:19-22
No matter where one might be, or the circumstances that exist, Love is the only true hope there is. And while there may be many things that seem beyond reach, or out of control, Love is the anchor that holds us altogether, moves us into action, and brings peace, or peace of mind, strength, truth and justice, never growing cold.
Inside seeking shelter on a very stormy day, I hear the wind howling… beckoning, come and see.
Looking out the window, great and mighty power, the surge before my eyes.
The wind, it whips and stirs. The waves, they’re in a frenzy, crashing down on all, in the way or not.
Rain, it’s driven sideways. I wonder if it minds.
Then, the birds. Something else. Just being birds, but more. Unphased by all the bother. Flying high, swooping low, drifting, diving, floating, gliding, in the winds that blow.
Beauty in the chaos. Stillness in the storm.
Trusting, not resisting.
All, it will be well.
Listening, not withdrawing, but drawing from within.
Upon entering the room, the display of rainbow-like bursts on one of the walls, captured my attention. Looking back now though, I see more clearly. Connections all around. The shadow once shed, takes on a new face. Taking up and letting go. To shed and re-shed from beginning to end. Tied together throughout by the image of God, and all eternally beloved. It’s in the air. Life and breath, width and depth. With God, it’s Universal.
The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. – Mark 15:38
Stepping out and looking up, the night time sky awakens me. Alongside the darkness, the clouds, visible above and behind the tree tops, create a contrast that draws me in. Between them and the sky that is speckled with the light of stars from far away, the scene is even more compelling. There are so many dimensions, and on this night, as opposed to one where the clouds leave no room for the stars, all seem to bring something to the picture in a way that works together and makes it whole.
So much of what’s good and honorable in the world, is not unlike this scene. That is, the parts not only brought together, but also taking care to make room at the table, and in our hearts, for each other. Coming back to the night time sky on this evening, taking in its different parts once more, I imagine each of them embodying, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will” (Psalm 40). For although we are different, we are very much the same. And, our well-being and the picture that we make is collective—always tied together.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. Day approaches, thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for standing up and speaking out, for your words and the actions that flowed with them, and most of all, for the spirit with which you shared them with the world.
“In a real sense all life is inter-related. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be, and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be… This is the inter-related structure of reality.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In saying goodbye to 2020, it can be all too easy to envision the year packed away, stuffed in a trunk or case with the words “CAUTION! DO NOT OPEN!” stamped in bold, red print across the top and sides. Yet, like all the years before it, 2020, along with any wisdom it contained, is added to the steps along the way. Now, and always, it is part of who we are and who we will become.
Entering into the year 2021, the journey continues. Like years gone by, it is step by step into all that is known and, at the same time, into all that is unknown. This New Year begins with a solemn tone. There is sadness over the depth of loss, vast… across many areas, and experienced by so many around the world. There is gratitude for blessings… Love expressed by thoughtful, caring words and actions of so many hearts around the world. Then, there is hope, summoning its all, rising up from the memories it strings together, and bringing unity as it strengthens and fortifies the soul for all that lies ahead.
May this New Year be anchored, like no other, in the hope that is God, and may each and every soul join together and live as they truly are… beloved.
We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. – Mt 2:2
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
Today is November 21, 2020. It is the 326th day of the year and by day’s end we will be 88.8% of the way toward 2021. For now though, we’re stuck, so to speak, in a leap year. And boy, what a leap it has been!
Looking at the happenings around the world, it seems as if gravity has lost its grip. Collisions are abound! And often with it, sensibility and all that used to be reliable in at least some way, has all but disappeared. These days, unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is raging, but also unfortunately, it is not the only thing raging.
At a time when it can be easy to become bogged down by all that seems wrong in the world, where I live, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving this coming Thursday. However, prior to that, tomorrow is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
How different the world could be, if He were all the rage!
Imagine, words and actions that go beyond the current “rule” of one. Imagine, words and actions that are all about the One, and only One—God.
Thankfully, we literally have the best example ever. So in these strange days that seem to keep getting stranger, look to the Word that is timeless. Look and see the Good Shepherd, the One who not only makes claims, but also backs them up, and simply shows us, one and all, the Way.
When we focus on doing the good we can do, the world, no matter how chaotic it may seem, becomes a better, brighter place, one person at a time.
Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” – Matthew 25:31-46
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