Discernment

More than Believing…

In the First Reading for the Feast of the Holy Innocents (1John 1:5-2:2), it is written:

“Now this is the message that we have heard from him [Jesus] and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.” (verse 5)

In the past week(s), how have you experienced God’s light? In what ways do you desire for the light of God to shine through you, inspiring and leading you?

A few days ago, the celebration of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, began. The days leading up to Christmas can often be filled with anticipation and perhaps a rush, or a last-minute push, as if trying to cross the finish line in first place. Even in less busy years, this time of year can be as if there is something in the air, leading to reaching and stretching or a feeling of pressure and tension.

Similarly, some of the Scripture readings in the days after Christmas can change the feeling in the air as we read about stoning of St. Stephen and the Holy Innocents.

However, when and where there is darkness, there is also Light to be found.

In the Gospel for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, we are told of the Holy Family’s Flight to Egypt:

“When the magi had departed, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
He stayed there until the death of Herod,
that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,
‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,
he became furious.
He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity
two years old and under,
in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.
Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:
‘A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be consoled,
since they were no more.’” – Matthew 2:13-18

What do you imagine the experiences mentioned in this passage were like for Rachel, Herod, and Joseph? As you contemplate this along with your own experiences, what captures your attention most?

In the Gospel passage for the Feast of the Holy Family (Luke 2:41-52), Jesus at 12 years old is separated from his parents. After celebrating the Feast of Passover, Mary and Joseph are traveling as part of a caravan of relatives and others they know, heading back home from Jerusalem. They are more than a little way into the journey when they realize that Jesus is not with the group.

We read:

“After three days they found him in the temple,
sitting in the midst of the teachers,
listening to them and asking them questions,
and all who heard him were astounded
at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him,
they were astonished,
and his mother said to him,
“Son, why have you done this to us?
Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”
And he said to them,
“Why were you looking for me?
Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what he said to them.
He went down with them and came to Nazareth,
and was obedient to them;
and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor
before God and man.” – Luke 2:46-52

Picture what it was like for Mary and Joseph as they retraced their steps back to Jerusalem trying to find their son. What do you think the experience was like for the others in their caravan? Who, if any, searched with and returned to Jerusalem with Mary and Joseph? And, how about what it might have been like for Jesus and the teachers in the temple?

Sometimes, when going through an experience, it can be easy for the scope of consideration to shrink, becoming narrower and leading one to consider fewer perspectives. However, faith calls us to be both focused (on God, Jesus, and the Way) and broad (open to different perspectives and willing to be guided and led by the Holy Spirit) in our approach and our endeavors.

What do you notice about God’s light and Divine intervention through the Flight into Egypt and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple? Pray with whatever insights you have. Talk with and listen to Jesus, as you share what you notice and any needs and desires that arise from within you as you continue to contemplate these passages and your own encounters and experiences.

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:12-15

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

The Thing To Do…

The Gospel passage for the Third Sunday of Advent (Luke 3:10-18) begins with the question, “What then should we do?” What to do is a question that is asked of John the Baptist three times in this passage. And through his replies, John essentially instructs those who have what we might call an upper hand or an edge over others—a crowd, the tax collectors, and the soldiers who are seemingly among the first to make their way to the desert to be baptized—to share with those who are without, to refrain from over taxing others, and to stop abusing their position by using it to take advantage of others.

How do John’s instructions strike you?

It’s interesting that just prior to this passage, John had said to the first group of people mentioned (the crowd),

“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” – Luke 3:8-9.

What do you think caused the crowd to respond with, “What then should we do?”

Envisioning yourself in this crowd, and labeled by John the Baptist as “a brood of vipers,” are you surprised or shocked? What would you do at these words? What response or question would you have?

When presented with a situation that is unexpected, how do you decide what to do? What does your prayer process look like in terms of manner, taking time and a step back, desire and/or openness to new or different ways forward? How about when it comes to situations that are expected? How does your prayer process stay the same or fluctuate?

Spend some time in prayer, sharing with Jesus that which arises into your awareness, and seeking wisdom, guidance, and whatever else you feel you need at this moment. As your prayer comes to a close, express your desire as you go forward, and ask for the grace to receive, whole-heartedly, God’s love for you, and the desire Jesus has for you at this moment.

Then, on this Gaudete Sunday, rejoice in the Lord!

You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope. – Thomas Merton

Hope, Faith, and Letting God be God…

Ushering in the Second Week of Advent, the readings for this Sunday (Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126:1-6; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; and Luke 3:1-6) can be taken as a reminder of the all-encompassing nature of God, and a call to hope, faith, and letting God be God.

In the Book of the Prophet Baruch, we read:

Up, Jerusalem! stand upon the heights;
look to the east and see your children
gathered from the east and the west
at the word of the Holy One,
rejoicing that they are remembered by God. – Baruch 5:5

What’s it like to reflect on this image, “being gathered from the east and the west at the word of the Holy One”?

Recall some of the ways that you have been remembered by God and what God has done for you. Maybe there is a situation(s) where you have benefitted from or experienced God’s grace without even realizing it. How have you responded to God, both then and now?

When you think about challenges you may be facing or concerns that you currently have, what’s it like when you envision yourself enfolded in the “word of the Holy One” and as one “remembered by God”?

In the Second Reading, St. Paul offers a beautiful prayer for the Philippians.

And this is my prayer:
that your love may increase ever more and more
in knowledge and every kind of perception,
to discern what is of value,
so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ
for the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:9-11

However, just prior to this, in verse 8, St. Paul writes:

I am confident of this,
that the one who began a good work in you
will continue to complete it
until the day of Christ Jesus.

Notice how St. Paul continually emphasizes or directs his audience (whom he addresses as “all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and ministers” in verse 1) to God as the object (or focus) and the source of good and righteousness—at the beginning, the end, and everywhere in between.

What strikes you most, or what desires arise within you, as you consider St. Paul’s words as well as his approach in the Second Reading?

In the Gospel According to St. Luke, verses 1-6 of chapter 3, we turn to a listing of who’s “in charge” (Caesar, Pilot, and tetrarchs) at the time that John the Baptist is in the desert, fulfilling prophecy. We read:

As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one crying out in the desert:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The winding roads shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”– Luke 3:4-6

Take some time to consider these verses in the light of the God who remembers you… who loves you… and whose living, breathing Word seeks to protect and guide you to salvation.

As you journey through this week, how do you wish to respond to the all-encompassing nature of God, and the call to hope, faith, and letting God be God?

The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. – Psalm 126:3

Stairs on a nature trial

Advent(ure)…

The Season of Advent and its related Scripture remind us of the twists and turns that life can take for anyone. They also provide an opportunity to see the faithfulness and goodness of God. In addition, they exemplify how being faithful to God involves being open to ways or paths that may differ, sometimes greatly, from the ones we may have planned or imagined for ourselves.

Take some time to think about what it has been like in the past for you to accept or make changes to the plans, ideas, and/or notions you have envisioned. What is it like in the present?

We all have things we would like to accomplish and look for ways, or paths, to do so. However, in proceeding in earnest and with good intentions as we strive, we can become mixed up when we don’t leave room for, can’t see, or are not open to the possibility of change(s) as being needed and for the better good. So when the twists and turns come, we can become even more attached to our own intentions and the ways we planned to accomplish them, instead of allowing the grace of God to help us to be open to making an adjustment or being open to a different way.

Sometimes, interference and the unexpected can push our buttons in ways that can make us behave as less than what we are… what we were created to be—beings in the image of God. When this happens, we can lose sight of the wideness of God, and the depth of God’s love, compassion, and mercy.

What are some memories you have of times when you met change, unexpected challenges, and/or uncertainty with a quiet calmness? How do those times compare to ones where, perhaps, quiet calmness and peace gave way to unrest?

Stand with the Lord at the threshold between the times of peace and the times of unrest that you’ve recalled. Ask Jesus to unveil the place(s) where maybe you couldn’t sense his presence or take direction, as well as the place(s) where you could. Express to the Lord your gratitude and your desire to remember whatever he wants you to hold onto from these instances as you enter the Advent Season and look to prepare for Christmas.

Make known to me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths. – Psalm 25:4

Robed in Majesty…

Today is the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The response for the Psalm is, “The Lord is King; he is robed in majesty.” (Psalm 93:1a). Take some time to reflect on this. What is this King like?

As you continue to envision the Lord as King, think about what you have learned about Jesus through both Scripture and experience. How has his majesty impacted your life, and influenced your choices?

In today’s Gospel (John 18:33b-37), Jesus is being interrogated by Pilate. This is after Peter has denied knowing Jesus for the third time and the cock has crowed.

In response to Pilate asking, “Then you are a king?”, Jesus replies,

“You say I am a king.
For this I was born and for this I came into the world,
to testify to the truth.
Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” – John 13:37

Think about how Jesus testifies to the truth—to God—in his life, through his words and actions, and the choices he makes. What do you admire most about Jesus? And how does he inspire you?

Mindful of being someone who belongs to the truth, robed in majesty, and continuing to hold onto the qualities of Jesus that you admire and are inspired by, consider how you are listening to Jesus’s voice in today’s world, by entering into a conversation with Jesus. Invite him to show you the ways in which you are listening to his voice. Ask him to reveal any blind spots that may be interfering with your ability to listen and/or creating misunderstanding of his voice and to what it testifies.

After a sufficient period of time, when the conversation has run its course, what is your prayer to Jesus as you prepare to go forth?

Now, giving Jesus the last word, what is his prayer for you?

The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty. – Psalm 93:1a

Learning from the Fig Tree…

In the Gospel passage for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 13:24-32), Jesus says, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.” (v. 24). These words are part of his response to a question asked of him by the disciples, Peter, James, John, and Andrew.

Away from the others, and just after Jesus commented to his disciples on the destruction of the temple, they had asked him, “Tell us, when will this happen, and what sign will there be when all these things are about to come to an end?” (Mark 13:4). The first thing that Jesus says to them is, “See that no one deceives you.” (Mk 13:5). As he continues to tell them the signs and what will happen (trials and tribulations such as war, persecutions, etc.), he also continues to give them instructions as to how to handle themselves and the situations they will face. He says:

“… do not be alarmed” (v. 7)

“Watch out for yourselves.” or be aware (v. 9)

“… do not worry beforehand about what you are to say. But say whatever will be given to you at that hour. For it will not be you who are speaking but the holy Spirit.” (v. 11)

“Be watchful!” (v. 23)

Then he says these words that are part of the Gospel for today, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.” (v. 28). And although Jesus says this as he continues to tell Peter, James, John, and Andrew about the signs that will occur at the end times, the gospel passage ends with Jesus saying, “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (v. 32). In other words, perhaps Jesus is reminding us not to focus on the signs, but rather to focus on his instructions.

His last instruction, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree,” is intriguing. In chapter 11 of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus curses a fig tree for being fruitless:

“The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, ‘May no one ever eat of your fruit again!’ And his disciples heard it.” (Mark 11:12-14).

In this earlier passage, there is a mention of time, “… it was not the time for figs.” And now, when Jesus is telling some of his disciples about the signs of the end times and instructing them on how to be prepared, he again, refers to figs and time (and not knowing the exact time of the end).

A few interesting things about figs and time… Fig trees, like other fruit trees, have leaves, but unlike other fruit trees, their fruit flowers internally. Also, each fig contains a collection of many flowers and seeds. And while one may think of a fig as a piece of fruit, they are actually an infructescence—a multiple fruit—that in a sense, is always in the process of blooming.

So, in both times of uncertainty and times of comfort, see that no one deceives you, do not worry, and learn from the fig tree, continuing to grow from within, knowing that the fruit will come at the time that is appointed.  

“Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you have made my destiny secure.” – Psalm 16:5

A Time to Reflect…

The Gospel acclamation for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time is, “If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is brought to perfection in us.” (1 John 4:12). Take some time to consider this verse.

What are the things that you heard and saw this past week that caught your attention? What values, notions, and ideas did they express?

It can be tempting to rush toward opinions and judgments based on listening to and watching what others are doing, what they have to say about situations, and about what’s happening in society and throughout the world. Not only that, but also to not really take time to honestly consider, reflect on, and discern the values being represented.

It can also be easy to be drawn in by a thing or two that may seem of the utmost importance, only to be swept up and moved along without recognizing movement away from values, expressed notions, and ideas that truly align with and promote the sentiments of Love.

In the coming days try to notice the words and actions to which not only your ears and eyes are exposed or drawn, but also your heart. What is stirred inside of you? and how are these things a reflection of Love?

Continuing to take these things to prayer, seek to see them as God sees them.

No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. – 1 John 4:12

From where…

From where chaos comes,
Base passion and design,
Stirring ill will, division,
Seeds sowing lies.
Looking, always looking,
To seep and settle in.

From where chaos spreads,
Human passions and designs,
From what we, as masters, embrace,
What we give into,
And what we withstand.

From where peace comes,
Divine passion and design.
Love weaving in and out,
Through time and space.
Ushering good tidings,
Encouraging good will.

From where peace spreads,
Human passions and designs,
From what we, as servants, embrace,
What we give into,
And what we withstand.

“Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things,
man will not himself find peace.” – Albert Schweitzer

For 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. – James 3:16-18

Be Opened…

In the Gospel passage for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mk 7:31-37), the people of a village bring a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment to Jesus and plead with him to lay his hand on him. What do you think made the people of the village do this? The deaf man could see, after all, and he could have found his own way to Jesus and asked for himself. What do imagine caused the people to get involved on the deaf man’s behalf? What are some things that lead you to get involved on the behalf of others?

We also read in this passage that Jesus “took him [the deaf man] off by himself away from the crowd.” (v. 33). Perhaps to remove the noise and distractions? Perhaps to engage in a more personal way with the man? Or maybe it was something else.

In the Scripture passage prior to this one, Jesus is trying to step away from the crowds when he is approached by the Syrophoenician woman asking for her daughter to be healed (Mk 7:24-30). This occurs after he has responded to the Pharisees questioning his disciples’ behavior; where Jesus replied in part, “Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” (Mk 7:15). Considering this teaching and carrying it forward into Jesus’s interactions with the Syrophoenician woman and the deaf man, reflect on the way he receives and responds to people, situations, and what’s going on around him.

How do you receive people, situations, and what’s going on around you? What inner attitudes or dispositions do you carry into interactions? What’s going on in your heart, and how does it affect your response?

Coming back to today’s Gospel Jesus says, “Ephphatha!” (“Be opened!”), and as a result, the deaf man can hear, and his speech impediment is gone. He is healed from his affliction through Jesus’s command, or call, to openness. So why then, does Jesus tell the man not to tell anyone? And how might this fit in with the idea of evangelization?

Maybe Jesus is calling us to be open to what’s going on around us and what God is trying to tell us as individuals, to further open and transform one’s own heart toward greater understanding and compassion. And with that, reminding us that evangelization comes through the grace of God and at times is aided, or complemented, by kind and loving hearts that are both fluid with and fixated on God.

Say to those whose hearts are frightened:
Be strong, fear not!
Here is your God,
he comes with vindication;
with divine recompense
he comes to save you. – Isaiah 35:4