Faithfulness

Underneath it All…

After Jesus’ body was laid in the tomb, a large stone was placed in front of the opening to it, and life for those seemingly left behind, although altered, carried on.

Then, the third day…

They were saying to one another, “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” – Mark 16:3

Envisioning the stone obstructing the way, brings me back to an instance from childhood.  I recall one year in particular when there was work being done in our backyard that required excavation. Things were going along smoothly until a large boulder, seemingly immovable, was unearthed.

As a result, everything came to a halt and it stayed that way for a number of days. The contractor’s equipment was insufficient to move such a large object. Eventually, though, special equipment was brought in to move the boulder to the perimeter of the backyard. Now out of the way, the work that had been started was able to be completed.

In the days and years that followed, when playing or hanging out with siblings or friends, or just looking out across the yard, there was the boulder. Thinking back, it’s interesting that while some things that seemed so large in size during childhood, seem to have shrunken in adulthood, the boulder remained unchanged. It was huge then, and it is huge now. Still an awesome reminder that every situation, even the unexpected or seemingly impossible, can be overcome.  

As the second Easter Sunday amidst Covid-19 times approaches, many thoughts and emotions surface around all that has transpired over the course of the past year, and more. In “normal” times, the experiences one encounters can be challenging enough, never mind a pandemic. Yet, despite the challenges and struggles, there is always help. That’s the promise.

When Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome, went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, they expected the stone to be in the way, and they expected that they would need help. What they didn’t know, was that the stone had already been rolled back, and all that was left, was for them to arrive.

When the sabbath was over,
Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome
bought spices so that they might go and anoint him.
Very early when the sun had risen,
on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb.
They were saying to one another,
“Who will roll back the stone for us
from the entrance to the tomb?”
When they looked up,
they saw that the stone had been rolled back;
it was very large.
On entering the tomb they saw a young man
sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe,
and they were utterly amazed.
He said to them, “Do not be amazed!
You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified.
He has been raised; he is not here.
Behold the place where they laid him.
But go and tell his disciples and Peter,
‘He is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him, as he told you.’” – Mark 16:1-7

Savior, he can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave – Ben Fielding/Reuben Morgan – Mighty to Save

Bright, Shining One…

In each moment of challenge, there is the Light, bright and shining.

A couple of days ago, I learned of the passing of a friend. Eileen… the meaning of her name, “bright, shining one,” so true to life. Yet, not in a way that one might think upon reading the words “bright” and “shining,” as if showy or seeking the center of attention. No, far different, in a quiet, and much more powerful way, “bright, and shining one” as in a welcoming, steady glow. A ray of light—exuding warmth and love… a faith-filled, calming presence.

Sometimes, maybe more often than we know, there is the blessing of those around us who reflect life in all its essence—persevering… trusting that in each moment, whether it is challenging or not, there is the Light, bright and shining. Unassuming… not intruding… patiently… peacefully… simply, beautifully present.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
to his wisdom there is no limit.
The Lord sustains the lowly;
the wicked he casts to the ground. – Psalm 147:6

How Often…

How often devotion becomes tangled up, and chained, to this or that, but mostly misdirection.    

Sidetracked, razor-focused, tunneling toward the goal.

How often the depth and scope of perspective shrinks toward misperception.

Moving forward… if today… if tomorrow… wait, can’t wait.

Closer in…

Look at yesterday.

Listen to today.

Learn for tomorrow.

No sight to be seen, no sound to be heard… so many, so much lost in the shadows of “light.”

Closing in…

Widen. Stop, human striving toward human understanding of perfection… imperfection!

Yes, be committed… be faithful, but underneath it all, hold onto God—justice for all.

Keep it real, keep it honest.

Be sure to know, check and see, from minute to hour, from day to year, to what, and to whom, allegiance is professing.

How often what we have is greater than nothing, and everything else that is more, is empty.

And, remember, in the end and in between, bow to no one, but bend to the One, and only One, whose Essence is within us.

How often the lost become truly found, while the “found” become lost in notions from afar.

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

The Giving Tree…

During a time when much around the world seems off kilter and unbalanced, Advent waiting proceeds. And, as it does, a place where hearts come together shines bright. Spirit builds in the air, as angels sing, “Come! Come meet me at the giving tree!”

Tomorrow, December 6th, is the Feast of St. Nicholas. Often associated with gifts, and most especially charity, Nicholas and his designated day is one of the places where East meets West. Both Eastern and Western churches honor Nicholas.

So, in this year of many surprises, shocks, and great unknowns, as we continue to journey and navigate through the times in which we live, it seems so fitting that the patron saint of travelers, born one thousand seven hundred fifty years ago (in the year 270), is also one whose spirit of charity is known throughout the world, and whose name means, “victory of the people.”

For it truly is, in giving, hearts unite, and we receive. May God grant peace on Earth as we pray, St. Nicholas—victory of the people—pray for us.  

Do not ignore this one fact, beloved,
that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years
and a thousand years like one day.
The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,”
but he is patient with you,
not wishing that any should perish
but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief,
and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar
and the elements will be dissolved by fire,
and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.
Since everything is to be dissolved in this way,
what sort of persons ought you to be,
conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion,
waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames
and the elements melted by fire.
But according to his promise
we await new heavens and a new earth
in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, since you await these things,
be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. – 2 Pt 3:8-14

Drawing Wise…

Drawing, in its various forms, is something that all people tend to do. Although not necessarily the kind of drawing that is by hand, certainly the kind of drawing that informs or leads to conclusions, maybe even actions.

Stepping outside, I am drawn to the beauty of the trees and the composition spread across the sky. After a period of pause, I am moved to capture, or at least try, and then to share the scene.

Throughout each day, there are moments of drawing, being drawn in, and opportunities to take notice. In those moments and following them, what happens?

In the Book of Sirach, it is written:

With all your soul draw close to Wisdom;
and with all your strength keep her ways.
Inquire and search, seek and find;
when you get hold of her, do not let her go.
Thus at last you will find rest in her,
and she will become your joy. – Sirach 6:26-28

In a world so steeped in competition, mastering the art of out-preparing, and getting “there” first, Wisdom can seem so elusive. And sometimes, to wait for it, may seem a strategy for those who are passive, or even worse, it may seem like forfeiture or a giving up. Yet, Wisdom knows all too well, waiting is not for the faint of heart.

Saint Augustine wrote, “Patience is the companion of wisdom.” In current times, patience seems to wear thin, and in moving about, it can seem as if all are strangers in a strange land. There are so many twists and turns, and maneuvering and holding on among competing interests, can easily find its way toward the never lasting.

To this, Wisdom says:

Look around for all that is worthwhile;
“faithful in words and holy in works” (Psalm 145:13).
Be drawn into each experience,
and from it, draw,
but only that which is worthwhile;
“faithful in words and holy in works.”

Wisdom is all around, but, oh, how often, one misses this, while going after “that.”

Wisdom

We never know how high we are
Till we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan,
Our statures touch the skies.

The heroism we recite
Would be a daily thing,
Did not ourselves the cubits warp
For fear to be a king.  – Emily Dickinson, We Never Know How High We Are (1176)

The “Well” in Well-being…

Memories make their mark in different ways and in varying degrees. One indelibly etched in my mind is that of being told, “I may not know and see everything, but God does.” Hearing these words as a child, no matter how they were intended, was not of any comfort at all, but rather intimidating, or better put, scary. Who was this God that was all-knowing and all-seeing? And, more importantly, where was this God?

It is interesting how, without personal experience and proper or complete context, what we hear and see can become the source of misunderstanding, unrest, and/or perhaps become crippling in ways that may not be so apparent. This is why it is so important to take what we hear and see from others and look at it more closely, contemplating what we hear and see for ourselves, and taking it to heart in the context of all the pieces involved, what we experience, and what we come to know and sense through the process.

In the Gospel according to John, in the story of the woman at the well (John 4:5-42), the woman said of Jesus, “He told me everything I have done.” Then it is written:

When the Samaritans came to him,
they invited him to stay with them;
and he stayed there two days.
Many more began to believe in Jesus because of his word,
and they said to the woman,
“We no longer believe because of your word;
for we have heard for ourselves,
and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.” – (John 4:39-42).

Though the Samaritans had heard about Jesus from the woman at the well, they also needed to hear Jesus for themselves. In such a fast-paced world, where time seems to slip away so often, it can be tempting to rely solely on others, or to forego taking the time or making the effort to hear Jesus for ourselves. However, it is only in doing so, that the answers to “who” and “where” God is, are revealed; truth becomes known, the ways of love and justice become visible, and both are etched more deeply into mind and heart.

Lord, as we walk through each day, help us to take all that we experience, the joyful, as well as the difficult and challenging, into prayer, and help us to make room to hear you. Help us to let go of the old and out-worn, and to embrace You, and Your ways, with grateful hearts, so that our lives may be examples of your glory in all things.

For this, we pray… Lord, hear our prayer.

WAW

World View…

Walking through a store the other day, as I was browsing, I came across a world globe. As it caught my eye, I drew closer to it. Remembering from much younger years, and experiencing once again, a sense of joy and awe at the magnitude of the earth and all that it contains. Then, placing my hand on the globe, I began to spin it gently, looking more closely to see if it was a current day version or one from the past.

Despite its “old world” look, the globe was up to date in its representation of the countries of the world. Spinning the globe again, a little faster this time, I was struck by the smoothness of it and its spin. It is something how, what appears to be so smooth, can be so split and divided. Then as I began to walk away, I turned back. The globe no longing spinning now, still split and divided, but still together, still one planet.

It is amazing how God creates and sets things into motion, placing so many parts, of all kinds, together. Then, as different as they may be, and despite all that may go awry, hearts that truly seek goodness, find it.

Receive

The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For the Lord founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers…
Let the Lord enter… The Lord is king of glory. – Psalm 24

Who Is?

It is a great time of year, but also very busy… potentially too busy. Often though, when it seems there is so much to do and time is too little, it is precisely time to adjust the schedule and come to a halt, even if briefly.

It is truly a great time of year, but also challenging and sometimes very trying. In some places there is so much choice, maybe too much choice, while in others, hardly any.

I recently saw this quote: “The difference between good and bad rulers is that the good love liberty, the bad slavery.” While St. Ambrose, to whom these words are attributed, was referring to an emperor, I could not help but think about them in terms of how they apply to everyday life. As each person grows and matures from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, typically responsibility increases, as does the power to make decisions. Essentially, we become rulers of our own “domains,” sometimes more than that depending on our roles across different areas of life.

However, at the same time, competing interests spring up, here, there, and everywhere. And, no matter how capable one might be, it is impossible for anyone to do all things well, all the time, or to even try, without becoming enslaved.

We must decide, each and every day, who, or what, rules?

It is most definitely a great time of year, not only to remember, but also to live, in hope, love, joy, peace, and all that is eternal.

LionLamb

On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,
and from his roots a bud shall blossom.
The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him:
a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
a spirit of counsel and of strength,
a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD,
and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.
Not by appearance shall he judge,
nor by hearsay shall he decide,
but he shall judge the poor with justice,
and decide aright for the land’s afflicted.
He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
Justice shall be the band around his waist,
and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.
Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
the calf and the young lion shall browse together,
with a little child to guide them.
The cow and the bear shall be neighbors,
together their young shall rest;
the lion shall eat hay like the ox.
The baby shall play by the cobra’s den,
and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair.
There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD,
as water covers the sea.
On that day, the root of Jesse,
set up as a signal for the nations,
the Gentiles shall seek out,
for his dwelling shall be glorious. – Isaiah 11:1-10

 

All in…

“Wherever… thou shalt be, pray secretly within thyself. If thou shalt be far from a house of prayer, give not thyself trouble to seek for one, for thou thyself art a sanctuary designed for prayer. If thou shalt be in bed, or in any other place, pray there; thy temple is there.” – Bernard of Clairvaux

GodOfAll

With the onset of colder temperatures and more leaves on the ground than above, the evergreens across the way, always steady and true, remain. Just the same, living in a world with so much turmoil and strife… in a time and place where heads or tails, or the flip of a coin, seems to hold more weight than what is good, and right, and just, the goodness of God, always steady and true, remains.

For as the coin, tossed high in the air, flips and flops, often turning one end over the other, retains its value and essence, regardless of which side lands face up, so too each life as we live and breathe and move from one thing to another—day to day and year to year. God’s allegiance to all creation is undying.

“and God is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to God all are alive.” – Luke 20:38

Place allegiance with God, first and foremost, remembering there is but one God, one Creator, who inspires all that is good, steady, and true.