Faith

The Land of the Living…

Every year, usually in May, my local library displays artwork created by students throughout our school district. When attending the opening night of the art showcase, one can expect the library to be noisy and bustling with people rather than its usual quiet, slow-paced atmosphere. During this nighttime, community event, students show their artwork to loved ones, and people of all different ages not only view the work on display, but also tend to strike up conversations.

It is a time of excitement and joy at the library. One can sense it in the air and on the faces of those who attend. It is nice to be there and to see such creativity, and it is often a good time for all. The work, all created in the confines of art rooms throughout the school district, remains on display through the end of the month for all who may enter to see.

This week, during a visit to the library, in the midst of writer’s block, I got up and moved to another spot to take a break for a few minutes. As I was sitting in one of the more comfortable, living room like chairs, I looked up to see rows of magazines in one direction and rows of newspapers in another, and then between the two, display stands covered with art work from the school district show. As I gazed, I was struck by the beauty of the colors, the creativity, and the various forms of artwork around me.

While I have always enjoyed opening night of the art show and the beauty of the work displayed, this particular day, I had the opportunity for a viewing in a quieter setting, and during the daytime. In revisiting some of the work, the beauty was even more noticeable and spoke to me in new ways. Just as the students were sharing a piece of themselves (their minds… hearts… souls) in their art, we share pieces of ourselves wherever we go… wherever we are.

Overall, the experience was a great reminder of how good it can be to revisit or retrace one’s steps every now and again, even in what might seem minor at first glance. It is good to reflect on the ways in which I contribute to the environment around me. This is especially true in the midst of societal events that can lead one to see darkness and death more so than Light and Life in the world as well as in our day-to-day routines.

The truth is that there is, and will always be, more good, and potential for good, than there is bad. Oftentimes, all we have to do is take a step back, look again to see what perhaps we did not notice before or to remind ourselves of the good that we have experienced. When we allow the goodness that God has planted within each of us not only to take hold of us, but also to shine through us… to influence our words and actions, and most especially our prayers, we cooperate with God in building and creating.

We have are far greater impact than we might imagine. It is up to us to acknowledge and appreciate, as well as to nurture goodness, in ourselves and in others.

“I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord, in the land of the living.” – Psalm 27:13

Creativity

Legacy…

While oftentimes society can see “legacy” in terms of what meets the eye, and what can be measured, legacy is much deeper than that. William Shakespeare wrote, “No legacy is so rich as honesty,” in his play All’s Well That Ends Well (Act 3, Scene 5). Catherine of Siena wrote, “For people become like what they love,” in a portion of a letter (Letter T29) to Regina della Scala, a noblewoman. When fiction gives way to truth, and one scratches beyond the surface reaching the heart of the matter, therein lies what will be left behind and passed along, whether individually or collectively. What stands the test of time, whether for good or bad, is legacy.

Often a question or thought like, “What is this about?” or “There has to be something more than this,” leads one to pause and take notice. In spiritual direction, we strive to discern and live out choices that uncover and align with one’s deepest, God-given, desires. In the process, whether or not one is aware, the force within that often works to serve one’s own legacy becomes tamed, almost naturally. Over time, when one works consistently, in union with God, at being faithful and honest, persevering and following through, trusting the call to rise above and move beyond, though there may be moments of fear or shadows of doubt, the transformation occurs. When it does, legacy is turned toward serving that which is greater, the legacy that is God.

It does not stop there though. Perhaps that is the true beauty of legacy. In relationship with God, while the promise remains the same, we are called to be not only faithful, but also ever-growing and ever-changing. We are called to evolve. We are challenged to take stock of what is around us, and what is within us, as we go through life and each situation we encounter or interaction we have.

The lesser legacy (personal legacy) secretly seeks to keep us where we are spiritually. It seeks to keep one’s sight on the best way to reach one’s own personal goals and ultimately to serve oneself. While the legacy that is God always seeks the greater good. It reveals the way to move beyond and rise above that which would look to undermine, drive a wedge between us—or bring us down—individually or collectively.

Since the beginning of time, a divine desire for unity and wholeness has existed within and among all creation. Throughout time, many a soul has searched to discover, to become one with, and to live from that place of legacy. The contemplative, spiritual life is all about legacy. It is a shared legacy that calls us to remember, to see and to be the light. This is what truly makes us one with God and each other.

It can be good to ask oneself, from time to time, “How is legacy operating in my life?”

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SDIBlog

The Apple and the Light…

It is unfortunate how the air can be sucked out of a room or a dark shadow can be cast upon it, by the words and actions, or even just the presence of one person. Not only that, but it can also be very uncomfortable, and have a lingering effect, even after that person leaves the room.

Why does one bad apple have to spoil the bunch (or “the barrel” as the saying goes)?

What is it that causes us, at times, to become paralyzed, dragged down, divided, or driven away when faced with a bad apple? What is it that can cause the rest of the apples to turn to mush instead of continuing to hold true to form? What if, beyond the surface, the bad apple is not really bad at all, but rather hanging from a limb, and by a thread?

Through the eyes of faith, there is the assurance that the Light of God far outshines any darkness that might come our way. Through faith we also believe, that the mercy and compassion of God extends to all creation. What then creates an atmosphere that leads to the Spirit within being quieted or perhaps even smothered in the face of darkness?

There is a force, at every corner, that seeks to take us away from the Truth, most especially in the midst of darkness. It seeks to create confusion and gradually, or perhaps swiftly, tries to shift our focus, and convince us that we are less than what we really are. Oftentimes, when this happens, we become paralyzed, dragged down, divided, or driven away. That suppression of the Spirit, or Light, contributes to an atmosphere that fosters darkness.

Jesus says, “Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:9-10). The thief is like the bad apple, looking to steal, slaughter and destroy what he does not have or what he has lost himself; that is the ability to reflect the Light.

This is why we are called not only to meditate on and to let the Light shine brightly, no matter the circumstances, but also to pray for those who persecute us.

 

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Emmaus in Our Midst…

A number of years ago, I recall watching a news segment where an oncologist was talking about viruses, and how throughout our lives we all have viruses that appear and then disappear. The doctor went on to say that, at times, these viruses can create cancer cells, that sometimes our bodies get rid of them, and sometimes the cells remain. Of those ones, they may one day become active, they may just stay unchanged, causing no noticeable difference or harm, or they may disappear.

These days, cancer seems rampant, not only as a health issue, but also in organizations and communities. How do we stop it? Perhaps, sometimes, we cannot. Surely, though, we cannot give up.

As I think about all the people, I know or have known who have battled cancer, more than anything the spirit with which they faced their illness comes to mind. Whether or not they survived cancer, I have no doubt that they overcame it.

While there are many cancers in the world, often eating away at and perhaps breaking us down, oftentimes in the darkness and confusion that is brought about, simply, yet beautifully comfort, peace, and strength are waiting to shine through. We must remember that we are in God’s hands. Truly, there is nothing to fear…nothing to lose. All that is, or was, will be filled with something more…something better…something greater. All that is really left, and all that really matters, is to be faithful and to believe.

Each time we allow our spirits to be lifted up and sustained by God, like Jesus, we rise. We move above, and beyond, that which would seek to destroy us.

Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), we need to recount, remember, take comfort in God’s presence, invite the Lord to walk with us… to be with us and in us. We must rejoice and, always, keep the faith.

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Charity and Love…

To be ruled by charity and love may seem far beyond reach, or even impossible, yet it is not. More than anything, it is a choice. While it may be a personal choice, and for any one person, the impact of which may seem minute and perhaps not worthwhile depending on the circumstances, we are called to listen to the voice that says otherwise. We are called to trust that whatever one does out of true charity and love, matters and has an impact far beyond oneself in many ways…some seen and some not.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est…Where charity and love are, God is there.

Jesus transformed water into wine as the first sign or miracle (John 2:1-11), and the celebration of a marriage continued. Undoubtedly, the servers who witnessed this miracle would have been intrigued. What did they do with that?

From that time on, there were other opportunities and invitations, in many different places, to witness the glory of God as well as to partake in it. Some saw and believed and some did not. Regardless, Jesus carried on, continuing to give witness to God not just through his words, but also his actions. He did this to the very end.

Jesus poured water into a basin to wash his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (John 13:12-15). What did the disciples do with that? How did that experience affect them? How does it affect me?

It all starts with water…creation, baptism, ministry…and while it may seem that it ends with water (“but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.” – John 19:34); it is actually the beginning.

Jesus came to show us the Way. He passed the torch on to the disciples at the Last Supper, and through them, and us, to each generation to come. What did the disciples do with that? How did they respond? How do I respond?

The depth of God’s love and charity knows no limits…knows no boundaries. How do I, how do we, care for and share this gift and privilege with which we have been blessed?

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Room to Grow…

The human body contains numerous growth plates. These plates exist at the end of our bones, in areas of the body such as the foot, leg, elbow, etc. They are located in areas where there is much physical growth that occurs from birth often through early adulthood. Simply put, we were designed and created with everything we need, including room to grow.

It is no coincidence that our bodies are built with growth in mind. It is also no coincidence that at the very essence of humanity is the ability to grow in many ways, both as individuals and in communion. Often as we grow in stature, we learn through experience, or we at least have the opportunities to learn, and mature emotionally and spiritually as well.

As we handle and see our way through what once may have seemed insurmountable or far beyond reach, we grow stronger, we discover something new, or we tap into or uncover what we did not know existed within. We are multi-dimensional and that is a good thing so long as it does not lead to being pushed, pulled, or led astray.

While duplicity is all around, and is sly like a fox, it is no match for the heart that seeks and strives to be faithful and sincere.

No matter how many times one may stammer or fall, there is always Grace to be had and faith to be built upon. When we are able to ask for help, acknowledging and moving beyond our own mistakes, and forgiving others theirs, the grace of God reigns within and around us. It returns us to love, calling us to remember the truth and to realize once more that we are more alike than different. It is ready and willing to help us not only to recognize, but also guiding us to that which brings out the inherent goodness in each other; reaffirming the image of God in which we are created and helping us to grow. It is then, that we truly experience what it means to worship in Spirit and truth.

“God is Spirit, and those who worship God must worship in Spirit and truth.” – Jesus to the woman at the well in the Gospel according to John, chapter 4, verses 4-42.

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Reaching…

Do not worry. Trust in God. Seek to do God’s will and all will be well. All of creation is provided for and carries on from moment to moment and day to day. Remember this.

What great advice, no…what wisdom. Easier said than done though. With all the brain power in the human mind one would think it would be easier than it is. That it would be second nature to remember the truth and not to worry. However, it is not. It takes practice and discipline to learn or re-learn how to simply be, let alone how to think about tomorrow, but not worry or attach so many plans to it that any hope for spontaneity or re-direction is lost.

While Jesus says not to worry about tomorrow, he does not say not to think about tomorrow. He cautions us. It is good to look ahead, but to do so without jumping ahead and submerging oneself in tomorrow, leaving behind and perhaps missing out on today and the gifts, blessings and opportunities that it carries.

When one looks at the birds and see how they fly and soar so free-spirited, it is not hard to imagine that Jesus wants the same for us. Deep down, if not close to the surface, we share this desire to fly and soar untethered by worries, possessions or anything else that might seek to hold us back.

Sometimes though, maybe we are too smart for our own good. Thinking that we know what is best for us and zooming in on it to the exclusion of all things other or readily dismissing them in the hunt for the golden prize. What happens though when the goal is reached, the prize in hand and there is still something missing or awry?

Stevie Wonder sings, “Like a branch on a tree I keep reachin’ to be free…” (A Place In The Sun written by Brian Wells and Ronald N. Miller). Branches mostly reach out and up as with open arms. They are pathways and resting spots for creatures of all kinds along their way. They stand tall, soaking in the sun, swaying in the wind, bearing the rain or the weight of the snow, and faithfully…patiently waiting to bloom or for the last leaves to fall.

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone,
but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” – Martin Luther.

A tree simply, beautifully being a tree; authentically being what it was created to be. As it is with all living things that remain true, an image of strength, character and endurance. A sign for all ages.

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Intuition…

Intuition is sometimes referred to as the voice within or direction from one’s soul. Famed physicist, Albert Einstein once said, “The intellect has little to do on the road to discovery. There comes a leap in consciousness, call it intuition or what you will, and the solution comes to you and you don’t know why or how.”

As we travel along our way throughout life, we all have moments where we act or respond based on a gut feeling, or intuition, more than anything else. Just the same, there are moments where perhaps we ignore that gut feeling and lean toward the voice of reason and act or respond logically. Renowned poet William Wordsworth said, “Faith is a passionate intuition.”

In a letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul wrote:

“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
Because of it the ancients were well attested.
By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God,
so that what is visible came into being through the invisible.
By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice greater than Cain’s.
Through this, he was attested to be righteous,
God bearing witness to his gifts,
and through this, though dead, he still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death,
and he was found no more because God had taken him.
Before he was taken up, he was attested to have pleased God.
But without faith it is impossible to please him,
for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who seek him.
By faith Noah, warned about what was not yet seen,
with reverence built an ark for the salvation of his household.
Through this, he condemned the world
and inherited the righteousness that comes through faith.” (Hebrews 11:1-7)

Whatever one might believe, no matter how different one’s approach might be, we all have intuition. Both the wisdom and insight of intuition are planted within us, pushing through the soil that is knowledge and/or experience to the contrary, and budding at just the right time for just the right occasion, seeking to guide and protect us…to help us choose what is best. This occurs regardless of whether or not we consider and heed it.

While Albert Einstein, William Wordsworth, and St. Paul lived in different times and traveled in very different circles, they all lived with an awareness of that which is sacred and an openness to creation and innovation. They seem to have made every effort to reverence the fruit of the Vine, the work of their hands, and the dreams and longings of their souls. We are called to do the same.

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Written in the Sky…

Diversity is a gift that can open one’s eyes to varying perspectives and bring to light the beauty of creation in all its different forms. When coupled with a sense of unity; a desire to be united and recognition that we are one, as Love calls us to be, diversity can bring out the best of the human race.

St. Albert the Great wrote, “It is by the path of love, which is charity, that God draws near to man, and man to God. But where charity is not found, God cannot dwell. If, then, we possess charity, we possess God, for ‘God is Charity’ (1 John 4:8).” One of his students, Italian Dominican friar St. Thomas Aquinas, by influence of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, wrote, “To love is to will the good of the other.” Whether Italian or Greek, it’s all the same. We, all humans, are created and called to love, to live in light (not darkness) and to bear witness to both. So then, what is one to do when confronted with or by those who don’t operate this way?

First and foremost, remember the truth. Who am I before God? Then, calling this to mind, stay focused and be faithful, trusting in the goodness of God.

“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
Because of it the ancients were well attested.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

It can be hard to trust and to stay focused when we do not see what we hope to see. All the same though, faith calls me to persevere and persist. And, in turn, if I cooperate, God enables me to do so. It is in this way, that faith beckons me to receive grace upon grace, to be strengthened and filled with hope, allowing me to trust, even when there may not be any physical signs for me to see.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place
that he was to receive as an inheritance;
he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
By faith he sojourned in the Promised Land as in a foreign country,
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
for he was looking forward to the city with foundations,
whose architect and maker is God.
By faith he received power to generate,
even though he was past the normal age
and Sarah herself was sterile,
for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.
So it was that there came forth from one man,
himself as good as dead,
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky
and as countless as the sands on the seashore.” – Hebrews 11:8-12

Abraham focused on being faithful to God. God took care of and provided for Abraham and his descendants. Everything else fell into place…eventually.

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Grace in the pressure…

There is nothing quite like the piercing sound of a smoke detector, never mind a whole apartment or household full of them going off. Waking to such noise, as I experienced one recent morning, is unexpected and both shocking and frightening. Yet, it is also a blessing.

An alarm is a sign that something is wrong and requires immediate attention. However, despite the shrieks of the smoke alarm and its call to action, there is also the voice of Wisdom who says, “Stay calm,” reminding one that it is important to be able to think straight, to act best, and to resist being overcome and driven by panic and fear. This is especially sage in the midst of an emergency, but also in the face of adversity.

This past week, for the 45th time in the history of the United States of America, the position and power of President was passed on to someone different. Along with this change, many people feel a great sense of uncertainty and fear. In the midst of those feelings though, is the voice of Wisdom who says, “Stay calm.”

As I think about all that has happened over the more than four decades of my existence, and then add to it the decades and centuries of those who came before me, it is interesting to recall the challenges and the way in which they were met. It causes me to reflect. What is it that really wakes me up?  It reminds me, “Look toward the Lord and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed” (Psalm 34:6).

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