Discipleship

What The World Needs Now…

In chapter 5 of the Gospel according to Mark, the saving power of Jesus is revealed in the healing of the man with unclean spirits (the Gerasene demoniac), the woman who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years, and the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue official. In all three cases, Jesus acts differently than what is expected, in that he is not afraid to meet and embrace those who have met misfortune, and are viewed as less than, and he does not treat anyone or anything as a lost cause or beyond repair. Because of this, even though what he has to offer is beneficial, to those who are married to one way of being he is seen as someone to be weary of and who is dangerous.

When Jesus heals the demoniac, sending the unclean spirits into a herd of swine who then head over the bank and into the sea where they meet their demise, folks become afraid. They cannot see the miracle in the healing that has taken place and ask him to leave. He does get in the boat and depart back to the other side. However, he also remains. The man he healed takes heed in Jesus’s instructions to him. In staying behind, Jesus is with him, and the man gives witness to what the Lord has done for him.

When the hemorrhaging woman touches his cloak, Jesus, who is on the way to heal the synagogue official’s daughter, stops, and takes time not only to seek and find the woman he has just healed, but also to engage with her. Despite fear, the woman comes forward to own, or to claim, the truth. In doing so, she is met, not with a critical, harsh, or condescending response, but rather with affirmation. She believed in Jesus and was willing to take a leap and trust in the healing that she sensed he could bring, when she dared to reached out to touch his garment as he passed by. With Jesus, there is no such thing as too little, too late, not worthwhile, or not enough time.

When it is announced that the synagogue official’s daughter is dead, and that he is no longer needed, Jesus does not turn away. He tells the girl’s father, “Do not be afraid. Just have faith.” (v. 36). Despite the news and being ridiculed by others, Jesus proceeds to their house and wakes the girl up. With Jesus, nothing is impossible.

As a Christian, one is called to follow Jesus, embracing the Way, and striving, through the grace of God, to live it. As challenging, uncomfortable, or unpopular as it may be, oftentimes, this requires change and evolution. Sometimes it may mean the opposite or a variation of the new ways and examples happening in the world, and at other times, it may mean the opposite or a variation of the old ways. Either way, the constant is Love, and the question is whether we trust God enough to let Love be the author.

It’s an incredible mystery of God’s love that the more you know how deeply you are loved, the more you will see how deeply your sisters and your brothers in the human family are loved. – Henri Nouwen

A Whole New World…

Have you ever had the experience of trying to purchase a one-quarter section of watermelon at a grocery store or market, only to have it ring up as a whole watermelon? Despite its popularity, the one-quarter section is, to this day, not found in the “look up” section of the check-out screens, at least not where I am. It is as if the scanner gods will not have the purchase of anything less than an entire watermelon.

While this may seem trivial, it appears that people were becoming more unhappy and customer service was becoming overrun. Over time it became clear that the system wasn’t working, and a change(s) was necessary. The issue was legitimate and needed to be addressed, so some stores posted notices advising customers of the code to enter or added stickers with bar codes to the plastic wrap on the quartered sections of watermelon. Finally, steps were taken to try to ensure customers were not being overcharged and hindered as they tried to pay for their groceries and continue with their day.

So, what does this have to do with faith? Well, in chapter 5, verses 14-17 of the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, St. Paul starts by talking about being driven by the love of Christ. This was the same person, Paul of Tarsus, who was once driven by the love of rules and laws, thinking he was serving God by persecuting early Christians because their way was different. Imagine, Paul of Tarsus could have kept doing things his way instead of answering the call to conversion, embracing the Way—Jesus, and eventually becoming St. Paul.

Thank God he was open to change!

Brothers and sisters:
once we have come to the conviction that one died for all;
therefore, all have died.
He indeed died for all,
so that those who live might no longer live for themselves
but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh;
even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh,
yet now we know him so no longer.
So whoever is in Christ is a new creation:
the old things have passed away;
behold, new things have come. – 2 Cor 5:14-17

Waiting to be Found…

From childhood, the name Anthony has evoked two thoughts more prominently than others, spaghetti day and help in finding what has been lost— “St. Anthony, please come around: something is lost, and it cannot be found,” or the less formal, “Tony, Tony, look around. Something’s lost and must be found!”

Today, June 13th, is the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua whose life in words and actions is an inspiring example of participation in the Kingdom of God, here on earth, and everlasting. Anthony accepted the invitation, sought union with the Lord, and allowed himself to be led, leaving behind a path that guaranteed him earthly wealth and power. It seems so appropriate that the name Anthony means fortunate… blessed… praiseworthy… priceless. Words that create an image of abundance, and that one can also imagine applying to the Kingdom of God.

In the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, it is written:

Thus says the Lord God:
I, too, will take from the crest of the cedar,
    from its topmost branches tear off a tender shoot,
and plant it on a high and lofty mountain;
    on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it.
It shall put forth branches and bear fruit,
    and become a majestic cedar.
Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it,
    every winged thing in the shade of its boughs.
And all the trees of the field shall know
    that I, the Lord,
bring low the high tree,
    lift high the lowly tree,
wither up the green tree,
    and make the withered tree bloom.
As I, the Lord, have spoken, so will I do. – Ez 17:22-24

Reading this passage, listening to the words and phrases within it, and considering the example of St. Anthony, one is reminded that just as the Lord stooped down, becoming one of, and with us, we also, are called to abandon lofty ideals, places, and practices. While the world, and all that is passing, might seek to grip and hold us down, God seeks to meet us on ground level, and elevate us to that which is eternal. In what ways, might this Divine invitation be accepted more fully?

“The creator of the heavens obeys a carpenter; the God of eternal glory listens to a poor virgin. Has anyone ever witnessed anything comparable to this? Let the philosopher no longer disdain from listening to the common laborer; the wise, to the simple; the educated, to the illiterate; a child of a prince, to a peasant.” – St. Anthony of Padua

Remain…

In a few weeks, my oldest child will be turning the page toward a new chapter in his life, as he graduates. So many years have passed and so much has transpired since his birth, yet it’s still hard to believe that this milestone is already here. As I think about the journey as a parent, I recall moments of feeling joy and pride as well as moments of feeling fear and uncertainty. What an awesome responsibility… what an awesome privilege. But then, isn’t that what love is all about? Being present, holding on, lifting up, letting go, and along the way, being drawn toward the balance that lies between?   

In the Gospel according to John, Jesus says:

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.” (15:9)

How do we do that?

We remain in love, by choosing to live in Love. When we choose to be present to each other and creation, we are also choosing to be present to God, and God’s love for us. This is the source of joy, and it can only be complete when it is shared and flowing freely among us. So often though, things get in the way, distracting us, and pulling us apart from each other, as well as from God.

When we remain in God’s love though, we can see things for what they are more readily, and withhold the judgment that seeks to lead us against one another rather than bring us together. What an awesome responsibility… what an awesome privilege. But then, isn’t that what love is all about? Being present, holding on, lifting up, letting go, and along the way, being drawn toward the balance that lies between?

Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.” — Rumi

Stuck at the Edge…

Perhaps one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing things about the ocean is its motion. Despite its unrelenting, constant movement, and the change and transition that it brings about for anyone or anything within it, it is found, more often than not, to be soothing or healing. Yet, in any other arena, on land, in the air, or in our lives, it seems fair to say that the movement of the ocean would be considered chaos, and be an unsettling presence.

In the Book of Revelation, it is written, “The One who was seated on the throne said: ‘Behold, I make all things new…'” (21:5). This verse is a great reminder that God is not static, but rather like the ocean, always encouraging change and seeking balance—the greater good.

In such volatile times, it is worth the exploration to see the things that are as opposed to the things that used to be.  Where there is little or no true change, there is always room to do better… to do more than just look. To act, rather than to sit, stuck at the place that is only the beginning.   

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin 

Reach…

They started out a neatly organized bouquet of tulips, bulbs closed and standing upright in a vase, but with time, each came into its own. Still tulips though, and called by name, no matter the style or type of display. Some still upright. Some bending, turning, twisting, as if being called toward something else altogether, but again, all still called by name—side by side—together.

More than humane… a compelling lesson for humanity. Nothing new… it is as it has always been. In opening up, reaching out, and stretching toward another… letting go of “other,” change is made. What is true and meaningful, is more than comprehension. When the peace within one’s heart, reaches out, it permeates from soul to soul, and only then, is it about becoming.

Just as he said to the disciples who met him on the road to Emmaus, Jesus says to us, “You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:48). As followers of Jesus, what did they do with that?

Fast forward to today… As disciples of Jesus, what do we do with all to which we have become witnesses? How do we stand with both the crucified and risen Jesus?

When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

– Matthew 5:1-12

Give Us This Day…

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

Swept…

The snow swept its way into town yesterday. It was hanging onto leaves where it could, perhaps overwhelming branches here and there, and weighing some down—secure, and even to the ground. For others, it seemed, the flakes of snow could not take hold—still blessed though. All around, snow laden leaves… branches, and tints of orange and yellow along with evergreens remained. Some standing, some kneeling, some sitting, some laying down, all in various forms of surrender. Peace… Joy… Light… Life… Grace in every stage.

Grace, the ultimate presentation, always there for the taking, greatest help in decision making.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.” – Matthew 5:1-12

Channels…

Each time I have had the opportunity to travel west through New York, coming across the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor brings me back decades to being a young student, and a favorite social studies lesson that included an explanation of how canals work. I recall listening with great interest about the way that locks and channels along the way, made it possible for canals to bridge the gap where differences of altitude were previously an obstacle.

A few days ago, I attended a virtual meeting featuring two speakers who were former governors of different political affiliations. The topic they discussed was the importance of public service. Both emphasized that in their experience, engaging on a personal level with a wide array of people was critical, and how a lack of openness to each other and ongoing dialogue leads to polarization. In other words, when you get to know people and learn about their lives, you connect in a way that lends itself to trying to work together with respect and courtesy, despite any differences of opinion. It reminded me of locks (or stops) and channels on the canal, working together to level things off, close the space between, and create a solution to overcome the difference that was otherwise impossible.    

October 4th is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who was born into a very well to do family in the 12th century. He lived a lavish lifestyle in his younger years, but in his early 20s, he became disillusioned with the material life and all that came with it, and walked away from it. From that point he increasingly embraced a life of prayer from which his words and actions, through the grace of God, flowed. He is quoted as saying, “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.”

St. Francis’s life started in a very different space, more than comfortable, and far away from the experience of most. In the end though, he had closed the gap and found the greatest of riches, in doing so.

In current day times, there is too much distance between… too much space across so many arenas, and it is wreaking havoc. It can seem that there is not a lot that one can do. However, we can always decide what kind of channel we want to be, and we can always seek inspiration that helps us to shorten, or even close, the space between, and rise above the deficits that may be.

I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord,
to go and bear fruit that will remain. – John 15:16

Peace Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

There’s A Hole…

As autumn makes her entrance, bursts of color begin to appear where once green was all around. Noticing an especially colorful section for so early in the season, I also see a gap within it… something missing… branches gone or somehow lost along the way.

As I look, I wonder. What could they have been? What would they have been? How the rest of the scenery is affected by their absence, also crosses my mind.

More than 204,000 people in the United States of America have died from COVID-19 thus far. That is approximately 21% of the 989,000 brothers and sisters across the world who have died from the virus. In the 196 recognized countries, almost 1 Million people have died since this pandemic began. While this is a statistic, it is far greater than a number(s).

What do we know about our brothers and sisters who have succumbed to this illness? The truth is, we know that they represented a wide range of age groups; came from various backgrounds, and political and religious affiliations; and studied or worked in all different kinds of occupations, to name just a few things. We also know, for sure, that they were not all advanced in age, nor did they all have pre-existing health conditions. Some, in fact, were closer to what would be considered the first half of life, physically fit, and/or not considered to be at a higher risk.

More important than all of that, they were fellow human beings. They were not just a number. They were living, breathing human beings, whose lives are not to be readily written off as dispensable to serve the interests of any one person or people in particular claiming to be “for” Life. Those who have died, loved, and were loved, and now, they are missed, leaving a gap… an emptiness, most especially for those who knew them best.

More than 204,000, and counting, brothers and sisters in the United States of America. More than 989,000, and counting, brothers and sisters worldwide. What could they have been? What would they have been? How is rest of the world affected by their absence?

Will we be driven further apart by lies, deception, and reckless disregard for life, or will we see what is truly going on, honor the lives of those who have died, and finally, come together?

Brothers and sisters:
If there is any encouragement in Christ,
any solace in love,
any participation in the Spirit,
any compassion and mercy,
complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love,
united in heart, thinking one thing.
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory;
rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
each looking out not for his own interests,
but also for those of others.
Have in you the same attitude
that is also in Christ Jesus. – Phil 2:1-5