Discipleship

In the Fabric…

It’s challenging, to say the least, to live in a world where tangible assets not only overwhelmingly drive motivation, but also speculation and modes of operation. And even more than that, status and materialism push humankind toward pursuits that are often so far removed from the stirrings and movements of grace that seek to connect and strengthen hearts.

St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote, “For it is not knowing much, but realizing and relishing things interiorly, that contents and satisfies the soul.” Yet, as suggested in Ecclesiastes, the human condition is such that we continue to toil under the sun to know more, do more, win more, and so on. But for what kind of gain? and at what cost?

Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill,
and yet to another who has not labored over it,
he must leave property.
This also is vanity and a great misfortune.
For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart
with which he has labored under the sun?
All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation;
even at night his mind is not at rest.
This also is vanity. – Ecc 2:21-23

Looking around, or tuning in to the pulse of society, one can only wonder, with that beat, what kind of “more” will ever be enough? And in the process, what happens to the hearts involved? There’s ebb and flow of course, but in what ways and to what degree do they drift? And at what point does the unfamiliar become all too familiar?

Turning to Psalm 95, the psalmist writes, “If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” Before that, a call to turn back to the One who knows.

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart. – Ps 90:12

Remember, ask and you shall receive. However, as always, there’s choice in how one responds.

St. Paul urges us forward, let go of that which binds one to the earth and drags one down. Instead, be grounded to, as well as through, that which is elevated and fulfilling in a far greater way.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. – Col 3:1-2

Be true… be not only baptized into Christ, but also put on Christ. Think about it. How does the heart and mind of Christ infuse your soul? How does it influence choices as you face challenges and navigate this world?

In the Gospel according to Luke (chapter 12:13-21), Jesus tells the parable of the rich man who had such a surplus at harvest that he replaced his barns with even bigger ones so he could essentially rest on his laurels and live off all that he had store up. While this parable can lead one to reflect on possessions and sharing or helping others from what one has, it can also be a catalyst to considering more closely how one’s pursuits affect the fabric of one’s being. Aside from the tangible, from what has one’s heart moved away? To what has one’s heart moved toward? And most importantly, where is God in all of that?

Along the Trail…

Scanning the area around me, I come across a sign. It marks a trail that cuts through, or rather that is cut through by a lot for parking cars. Noticing how small the trail marker is, I walk closer to see it more clearly. It’s interesting how sometimes signs just seem to pop up, or not. Yet, I am reminded that whether it has been noticed or not, this sign has been here for quite some time. Somehow though, perhaps depending on what one comes looking for and with what type of disposition or intention, it’s understandable how it might go unnoticed. Yet, not to worry, there are other signs too. More places along the path, sprinkled all throughout. Quietly waiting… and waiting, until the moment is ripe, then drawing in what once was looking, but now is seeking, and ready to be guided.

Yes, it is true, “What you seek is seeking you.” –Rumi. However, it can be missed when one is persistent in a fruitless direction. Sometimes one must learn to let go of what they’re holding onto, to find that which awaits them. Thank goodness, there’s more than one marker.     

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives;
and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Luke 11:9-10

Beyond the Cover…

Spending the better part of the week surrounded by a plethora of books and various other media, it’s interesting to think about the variety of characteristics held within, as well as characters passing through, a public library.

Looking at the rows upon rows of books that are all around, it’s hard not to be fascinated by the fact that there’s always more to learn. This is not as in a conquest, but rather as in an opportunity, if one is open to it. And even more than that, no matter how vast, neatly ordered, and organized the books and other media may be, the contents of them serve everyone best, only when contemplated and taken into consideration with the range of human experience and love, and the knowledge it imparts into one’s heart.

Frequently viewed as a destination for those searching knowledge, know-how, a place to work, or a group of one sort or another, the library is also a place for those seeking shelter from outside. However, regardless of the time of day or reason for entering, when the library is open, none are turned away. Instead, they are welcome to come in as they are, and become a unique part of the inviting, peaceful environment. Imagine that in a place full of books!

Sometimes we think we know, but until we seek to look beyond the distortions, we honestly cannot.

When in Rome…

Recently, I took a trip to roam. Yet, I found myself surrounded by lots of moving pieces and it was hard not to get caught up in the pace around me. In a crowded space, quick not being quick enough, too many I’s to dot, too many T’s to cross, and seemingly no time or place for pause. But then, oftentimes there isn’t, until the room for it is made.

“The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.” – Rumi

How tempting it can be sometimes to fall into place and do as others do, or conversely, step out of line and walk away. However, what often gets lost is the balance that allows for the ground that is known as middle. It is the place where things are less extreme, grips and grasps are loosened, and real freedom is experienced. Not beholden to what is less than, the middle is the place that gives permission for mind and heart to meet, and for the soul to connect. And only then, in action there is peace.  

“…it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.” – Dt 30:14

I Believe…

I believe that sometimes society seems to be hanging by a thread, but that’s not all I believe…

I believe that God creates similarities, differences, and various dimensions intentionally, rather than carbon copies, or only one kind or way of being.

I believe freedom resides within and is a gift from God entrusted to each, to do with as one wills—as in free will.

I believe that it’s up to each to choose for themselves that which affects, most especially, oneself.

I believe and, also trust, that God has more wisdom than all of us together, seeing things we cannot see and understanding in ways which humans simply cannot.

I believe that to love like Jesus is to love like God—with great depth and breadth, yet personal and unique onto each of us as if we were the only one.

I believe that where hearts and minds are open to the Spirit that is Holy, unity and diversity not only live, but also thrive.

I believe that true victory does not rob others from choosing for themselves, and that what some may celebrate as a “win,” God does not.

I believe the compassion and mercy of God is all encompassing, and that clearly humankind’s is often not.

Most of all, I believe that the greater glory belongs to God, all of “this” will fade away, and that ultimately, through the hearts that are willing, God’s unifying way of love, compassion, and mercy prevails.

I believe that sometimes society seems to be hanging by a thread, but maybe sometimes that’s what we need to be.

And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. – Luke 2:19

Now, Then, and Once Again…

Every day, no matter where on the face of the earth one might be, there is a source of natural light, whether it be from the sun, moon, stars, or one Aurora or another. Even though, depending on the clouds, it may seem otherwise, there is always a form of natural light that is present. And whether one is a night owl or a day person, or anywhere between, one way or another, there is light to be experienced, and it is pretty much constant.

As with natural, or pure, light, the same constancy exists with the Holy Trinity. That is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In the unity of which life is begotten, truth arises, and authenticity is born. So, one might ask, where does faith come in?

Faith is built by the experience of connection. What, and how, one connects with the world around them, often influences the direction of belief for all involved. This is why the greatest commandment, the one upon which everything else depends, is “to love.” Love connects us to the Holy Trinity, all that is truly good, and is the way in which an individual has the greatest impact. The opposite is true as well. For example, when people are asked to think of interactions they’ve had and that stand out the most, what often comes to mind are situations where they felt uplifted and supported or ones where they felt demeaned or disappointed. At the core of these experiences and what follows from them, is the impact of love or the absence of love, and faith tends to lean that way as well.

When one strives to love as Jesus did, faith becomes evidenced in action that is inspired and generative. We move from sole interest to the interest of all souls—love, patience, kindness, compassion, mercy, and so on. The Holy Trinity is transformative in that through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we seek to live in unison and life, like light and truth, becomes a testament from good to better, to even better yet.

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

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith
to this grace in which we stand,
and we boast in hope of the glory of God.
Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions,
knowing that affliction produces endurance,
and endurance, proven character,
and proven character, hope,
and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. – Rom 5:1-5

Sunrise at sea

In The Spirit…

Looking out across the way, noticing the strokes with which nature paints the scene before my eyes, I am captivated. The variations of color and light both hold their own and come together. A symphony embracing one another, yet at the same time providing the contrast that makes it fully come alive. Ripples in the sky, and ripples down below. With all that is going on, it’s interesting how all these differences join to form a work of beauty, instead of tearing at each other, or falling all apart.

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. – 1 Cor 12:13

In Whose Likeness…

There was darkness all around. Not a sound, but that of waves gently breaking, making their way across the sand and rocks, back and forth, to and from. Not a sight, until the sun began its approach, gradually awakening the sky, before peeking up over the horizon.

Then what a sight. Silhouette or shadow? May be solo, but not alone. Freely flying, but in a line, parallel, heart of purpose and direction. Gliding, steady, peaceful, true in its presence… in its likeness… Silhouette.

“I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.” – Rev 21:22-23

Where We Will…

Watching as the branches fill in, flowers blossom, pollen wafts through the air, and Spring burgeons and unfolds, there is a sense of awe. In the Book of Revelation, it is written, “The One who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” (Rev 21:5a). Not some things, or only certain things, but all things. Thinking about this, I cannot help but consider this concept further and ask, “Am I open to all things being made new by God?”

The flowers grow and open, pretty much wherever they are planted. And certainly, there are some conditions necessary for their maturity and well-being—light, water, nutrients, and some level of protection from harsher elements and realities. However, the things vital to their growth can be found or seep in even in unexpected places, and overall, flowers grow where they will.

In chapter 14, verses 21-27, of the Acts of the Apostles, we continue to learn of the experiences of Paul and Barnabas as they travel on, inspired by their discipleship desire. Their journey leads them back to Antioch, the place of resistance from where they were expelled in chapter 13.

It is written:

“From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been commended to the grace of God
for the work they had now accomplished.
And when they arrived, they called the church together
and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” – (verses 26-27)

Imagine. God called them to something more, launching something new from the very place that was not open to receiving them at the time. It turns out God had somewhere else in mind for them. How did they react or respond?

Paul and Barnabas were willing to let go of their notions and allow themselves to be led to other territories where they not only experienced what God had in mind, but also deepened their faith. Eventually, they were led back to Antioch, where, because of God who makes all things new, they were able to meet resistance with something more, something stronger, faithful witness to the Glory of God.

So just as flowers grow where they will, so too Paul and Barnabas… so too us. If we are open to it.

“Behold, I make all things new.” – Rev 21:5a

The Touch of Grace…

Recall an experience of bumping into someone that you know, in a place and at a time that you normally wouldn’t expect to see them? Initially, you might be surprised for good or less, or perhaps it might take a few moments to fully recognize the person. Maybe some memories of them come to mind.

Next, imagine that you kept encountering that same person over the course of several weeks. What would you think? What would you feel?

Now envision being one of Jesus’ disciples and having the experience of Jesus’ appearing to you, here and there, in the time between his Resurrection and Ascension. How would you react or respond after the profound experience of his crucifixion, his Resurrection, and being in the environment of belief and disbelief created by it all?

Would you be devoted to trying to see a pattern to Jesus’ appearances to try to predict when you might see him next? Would you commit yourself to trying to figure out the reasons why he was appearing? How hard would you work to come to some sort of knowledge about these occurrences? In what ways would you characterize your approach?

Focusing more closely on Jesus and his third appearance at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21), how determined would your mind be, and how open would your heart be, to the presence of Jesus who is in the form of the person on the shore, unknown and at a distance? How about to yourself or the person on the shore, thought of as being known? Would you cast the net again? What would you discover?

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We also will come with you.”
So they went out and got into the boat,
but that night they caught nothing.
When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore;
but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?”
They answered him, “No.”
So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat
and you will find something.”
So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in
because of the number of fish.
So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.”
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord,
he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad,
and jumped into the sea. – Jn 21:3-7

In what ways do you allow Jesus to be present to you in the unexpected? In what ways do you invite Jesus to help you to be present, to hold situations up to the light, to receive God’s wisdom so that you can embody the thoughts and feelings needed not only to embrace the moment, but also to receive and recognize the grace it holds, and how to share it?

Sometimes, there are so many questions, and it can seem like so much work. Yet, as April turns to May and the Feast of St. Joseph The Worker arrives, so also does the opportunity to experience not only the light of longer days, but also renewal through the touch of Grace—peace, light, hope, and inspiration—that continues to blossom with the Easter season, and beyond.

How does grace touch and move your heart? And how is it reflected in your work?