Faithfulness

Just Like That…

Ready to pack up and go, the automatic start button was pressed, the lights came on, but the engine did not. I thought, oh no! Not now! But now it was.

The events that unfolded from a number of failed attempts to start the car, the roadside technician whose heart led him to look and work where the company’s book says not to look and work, and through the remaining tasks of the day were all unexpected. However, the initial sting and set back on time, gave way to a number of experiences of the kindness of strangers, of both those helping and those in need of help, and the gift of joy waiting to be recognized as the hand of God, providing a lift for each and every one of us.

So often, things happen just like that.

Just like that, Jesus breathed his last breath and it was over (Mark 15:37). One can only imagine what it was like for those who believed. Certainly, they did not expect what had happened to occur.

Despite Jesus’ words and the foretelling of his death and resurrection, clearly, it seemed more than they could understand. Prior to his last breath, Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) What did those closest to Jesus think, and how did they feel about what was happening? We all experience moments of feeling surprised, shocked, blind-sided, or abandoned. After some time to absorb what has transpired, though, there is the important question of “What now?”

It is in looking to, “What now?” that those among the closest to Jesus discovered that what may have seemed like the end was rather the beginning of something new. Not only that, but they were also reminded of the truth. To talk the talk is important, but to also walk it is difficult, impossible without sacrifice, and at times, may also seem like it is not worthwhile.

As you approach each day, remember:

While there may be lots of big, bad, bloated wolves in the world, their power is far outweighed by those who are kind, honest, caring, and wise;

Seeking to truly put God’s will first in both word and deed enables faith, hope and love to achieve all that otherwise may seem less than worthwhile, useless, or even impossible;

Light always conquers darkness, often in ways that we could not imagine, understand, or design on our own;

When being truthful with oneself, it is clear that the ends does not justify the means;

Every breath that any one of us takes is precious; and

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad” (Psalm 118).

Praise God!

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The Greatest Show…

Last night I had the opportunity to see a musical movie that portrayed the rise of P.T. Barnum and showed how his circus came to be. It was both interesting and remarkable to step into the life and times of the main character and those previously hidden, shut out, and silenced, but who came to be at the forefront and an important part of the show. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the movie was how beautifully the uniqueness of each individual came to be celebrated and the spirit that was born out of it.

While it may seem odd to pair a variation of the word “beauty” with the word “circus,” it also seems so relevant. We live in times that can feel like a non-stop circus with all the happenings in today’s world. However, in it all, there is still so much beauty to be found, and to be celebrated.

Through many heated disagreements and debates, especially of recent times, silence is being shattered and a spirit that celebrates the unique and diverse, but more importantly, the authentic, is growing. While the events around us can be upsetting and trying, they can also lead to becoming more in touch with values and beliefs, feeling compelled and moved, and living more deeply, or intentionally. In the chaotic and unexpected (as well as in the humdrum and typical, and everything in between), it is remarkable how present God, the author of creation… the author of diversity, is.

“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” – P.T. Barnum

If God intended for all to be the same, or to be uniform, the ark would not have been a zoo, rainbows would be bland instead of full of color—life, and Jesus would have added to the over 600 Mosaic laws instead of simplifying them and being an example of love, mercy, compassion, acceptance and integrity.

Celebrate individuality; it is part of how the human race was created and it honors God. Encourage truth; it is important to keep it real. Embrace all that is humane and always carry hope, remembering that the heart of God is in each of us.

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Take time…

It is amazing how electronic devices have advanced over the years and how the technology keeps evolving. There is a lot of work and so many hours of programming and testing before devices and apps are released from the development environment out into the real world. Once they are out, though, they are used in various ways, some of which the development teams working on them had not anticipated and that may require the creation of an update to the operating system.

Once the update is created and released, in order for it to be implemented, it requires an exit from all programs and for the electronic device to shut down and restart. Without this step, the programming changes cannot be completely installed; certain files can only be changed when they are not in use. While I may choose to ignore an update and my device may still work, it will not do so in a way that is optimal. Not only that, but also, depending on what the update contains, I may be putting my device and the information on it in jeopardy by continuing to operate without the update.

It is necessary to shut down and restart the operating system every so often so that updates can be applied and it can continue to run as smoothly as possible. It is not that different for human beings. If we are to process all that comes our way and continue to evolve and function at our best, we also need to take time for periodic updates, shut downs and restarts… time to step away, give pause, remember, give thanks, prayerfully reflect, seek insight, re-focus if necessary, and allow ourselves to be renewed and refreshed.

Rising very early before dawn, he left
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.” – Mk 1:35-38

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More than Magical…

“We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” – Matthew 2:2

The magi came to offer gifts on bended knee. While Jesus was only an infant, surely there were many expectations that would come with the label, newborn king, and even more with that of Savior. When we jump forward three decades from the birth of Jesus, it is even clearer that many people were not expecting the Anointed One to do and say the things that Jesus was doing and saying. They were limited by their own expectations of what a king and savior should be. They were incapable of seeing the gift of Jesus’ life and his example in their very midst, all because he was not what they expected and he did not fit in with what they wanted or thought they needed despite the fact that he fit in with what God wanted. Many people simply could not see, and maybe some did not want to see.

We all have moments where reality seems to fall short of what we expect or hope for, or times when perhaps we can be held back by expectations, or lack thereof, whether our own or those of other people. That is why it is so important to check in and assess where one’s allegiance lies and where one’s focus is along the way.

The magi had a goal, to pay homage to the newborn king. They also had a focus point, to guide them to their goal. There was the star that they followed both a great many miles and very many days, and ultimately the story behind the star, the One who creates and re-creates the earth and sky, and all that resides in and among them.

In addition, the Magi were re-directed at the appropriate time. They were warned in a dream, so they changed course and took a different path home. Certainly, it was an unexpected turn, but still the message was received, taken to heart and, in the end, it was for the best.

Despite expectations that may be self-imposed or put in place by others, seek to listen to and honor the One who truly knows best… the One who not only sees all things, but also bears light on all things. Those who trust in God can expect strength for the journey wherever it may lead, and guidance in all things, great and small.

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When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.

– Matthew 2:1-12

The Great Wide Open…

In passing by and at times being surrounded by farmland over the past few months, the beauty and vastness of the countryside has been striking. Against the occasional backdrop of mountains and the many fields of crops and shades of green, there has been much to take in and a great sense of freedom and openness to be felt. There have also been the more confining structures one would expect to see, such as barns, fences and silos. These structures serve to protect what is within and in doing so they create boundaries and barriers. Of them, perhaps the silo, into which one cannot readily see, is the most compelling.

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A farm silo functions as a holding place for storing grains. It is a strong, tall, rounded container with generally no openings for the elements, including light, to penetrate. Its purpose is to prevent the grain inside from becoming compromised or spoiled. A silo does a great job of protecting grain and is both necessary and good. However, personally or in an organization… figuratively, a silo is bad news. It seeks to control the environment in ways that both compromise and spoil forward progress. It also holds back the spirit of integrity and ingenuity necessary to flourish and genuinely thrive.

As we go through life, we all come across situations, organizations and/or people through whom we experience a silo effect—having helpful information withheld, being undermined, being shut out, pushed away or alienated. Often we can easily point to or name such cases. However, it can be more difficult to see or name the instances where we may be helping to foster that experience or effect… allowing it to continue… perhaps even creating or contributing to the creation of even more silos.

The way of the world puts emphasis on acquiring and storing up things, status, reputation, chips on one’s shoulders, etc. Ultimately, they can, and often do, bring us down or cause us to be less than what we truly are. It can be difficult to recognize, yet alone to resist being swept up or carried away by this mentality, or even fighting against it. It can keep us from doing and from being… from living out our deepest, purest desires in a way that is encouraging and uplifting to others as well as ourselves. We can be led astray, fooled, or lulled over time by that which masquerades around providing a false sense of reality as well as security. We can be lured and led away from being a place of growth and harvest to a place of storage.

“You are confined only by the walls you build yourself.” – Andrew Murphy

From time to time, it is important to pause, to let the Light not only in but also to fully penetrate one’s soul, and to ask, am I a vessel or have I become a silo?

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Sprinklers and Fountains…

I recall summer days during childhood when my father would attach sprinklers to a few hoses spread around the yard to water the grass. Then, every so often, he would move each sprinkler to a new location to ensure each section of grass was watered. I remember looking forward to “sprinkler days” back then especially on long, hot, humid days.

My siblings and I used to run through the lines of water at times to cool off, or around them at other times to avoid getting wet. Still other times, we would pick the sprinkler up when least expected, aiming it at the others, whether wanted or not, for a surprise cooling off. And then, every so often, one of us might slip away to remove the sprinkler head, replace it with the “super spray” nozzle and proceed to provide a more powerful cooling off experience for the others. Overall, we had a lot of fun, and admittedly some “disagreements” too.

There were three sprinklers altogether. Two of them were straight and about a foot long with several holes along the length. The sprayer would move from one side to the other, from 0 to 180 degrees, shooting lines of water along the way. Then there was the “wacky” sprinkler. It had three prongs that came out from the center which would rotate around, 360 degrees, as it sprayed a line of water sideways from each prong. The circular motion caused the lines of water to be wilder, and perhaps crazier, than the lines of water that the other sprinklers emitted. Despite its flair and pizzazz, the “wacky” sprinkler was the least desirable for cooling off. However, at the end of the day, both types of sprinklers accomplished their job, watering the grass sufficiently. And, while the “super spray” nozzle was great for sibling sneak attacks, it was less effective and not considered as an option for watering the lawn.

With events that have transpired across the world this past week, and what seems a continuous growing trend of intolerance and inability to dialogue in dignified and respectful ways, somehow I found myself thinking of the “wacky” sprinkler spraying water in every which way. Yes, it was wild and crazy, but it still had a purpose and value so we tolerated it and used it as it could be used. Then there was the “super spray” nozzle with its harsh and often cold rush of water, but even that, if used properly could be used to water the lawn.

There are many happenings throughout the world that can be upsetting and downright improper. Sometimes, it can be easy to become enflamed by what we cannot comprehend and by what seems “way out there” to us. It can be tempting to join the frenzy or to turn away and refrain from any kind of engagement. Somewhere in between, there are answers and there is common ground. Somewhere there is the fountain, the spring… the Source that provides life rather than strife. It is up to each of us to seek it and to work toward it, so that we may come together rather than be torn apart.

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Sorting and sifting…

Sorting through and folding a laundry basket full of clean clothes the other day, I came across a couple of socks with holes worn through them. They were not repairable and so the decision as to what to do with them was easy. Oftentimes in life, we face similar decisions in terms of deciphering what to get rid of and what to keep. Sometimes it can be as clear cut as sorting through laundry and other times it can be difficult to see the way to proceed.

When it (the net) is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. – Matthew 13:48

The above Scripture verse is part of a passage in which Jesus is giving comparisons as to what the Kingdom of Heaven is like and states that in the end, the angels will be separating the good from the bad. However, as we walk through life on earth, we also need to separate the good from the bad and the good from the better, as we strive toward Heaven.

Frequently, what is less than good, parades around in disguise and can slowly and subtly pull us inward, or downward and away from where we seek to be. On top of that, what enables one’s soul to shine most brightly and what is good for us, often goes against the grain of the world in which we live. It is challenging to say the least and perhaps, even discouraging at times. Still though, we are called to be aware and to choose wisely, whether we are sorting through the obvious or sifting through the “not so clear.”

The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night.
God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”
Solomon answered:

“You have shown great kindness to your servant, David my
father, because he walked before you with fidelity, justice, and an upright heart;
and you have continued this great kindness toward him today, giving him a son to
sit upon his throne.

Now, LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king
to succeed my father David;
but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.
I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen,
a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.
Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart
to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”

The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.
So God said to him:

“Because you have asked for this—
not for a long life for yourself,
nor for riches,
nor for the life of your enemies,
but for understanding so that you may know what is right—
I do as you requested.
I give you a heart so wise and understanding
that there has never been anyone like you up to now,
and after you there will come no one to equal you.” – 1 Kings 3:5-12

Fortunately, we are not alone in this endeavor of trying to choose what is good, and to choose wisely. There is aid around every corner and in each nook and cranny there is Wisdom waiting to be had. All we need is to ask.

 

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Along the Path…

Stepping out for a walk, not too far along the path, there it was, a most beautiful tree. It had a strong, healthy trunk and rather smooth bark, a bounty of branches and countless leaves of green. I had noticed it previously, but today, with the light from the morning sun it captured my attention more fully, beckoning for me to come closer. In doing so, I found myself under a canopy provided by the branches and leaves. Looking up, I was filled with awe.

At the base there appeared to be two trunks that, not all that high off the ground, had changed course and melded into one, continuing to grow strong for many, many more feet toward the sky. From the trunk, it was striking to see the branches of varying size growing out in many different directions and all holding leaves of green – full of character and life. And though each branch and leaf has its own peculiarities, essentially every part of the tree shared the same essence.

Marveling once again and breathing in, I think, “Freedom.” This is what freedom is. It is to stay connected, drawing strength and sustenance, inspiration and wisdom… to hold fast and firm to authenticity in environments of all kinds. Truly, freedom is to choose and walk the path, ever mindful and ever faithful to the Source.

But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9

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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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Newman…

Through a series of changes, I recently had the opportunity to learn about the life of John Henry Newman. I found his story to be fascinating. Living in England for almost all his life, the change that resulted from his conversion was huge. He faced great challenges in going from the Anglican Church to the Roman Catholic Church.

John Henry Newman’s road went from childhood to Trinity College, Oxford student to vicar, teacher, preacher and writer at Oxford University to Roman Catholic priest and eventually Cardinal. He was a great theologian; first in the Anglican tradition and then in the Roman Catholic tradition. When he became a Roman Catholic priest though his entire life was turned upside down. He could no longer teach, preach or write at Oxford and because of his prominent Anglican position prior to his conversion he was seen as suspect within the Roman Catholic hierarchy. Essentially, all that he knew was taken away from him. Many of his relationships were severed and he was stripped of his teaching position and the prestige that went along with it. However, amidst these very big changes, his desire and resolve to seek and live a life of truth did not change.

John Henry Newman remained faithful and true to God and what he felt God was calling him to, throughout his life. We are called to do the same. Despite his less than favorable status with the Pope at the time of his conversion (Pius IX), he carried on and kept following his conscience. We are also called to follow our conscience. When Pope Pius IX died and the next Pope (Leo XIII) came along, Newman was named Cardinal even though he was not a Bishop and he was not a resident in Rome.

When John Henry Newman was named Cardinal, he took the motto “Cor ad cor loquitur” (“Heart speaks to heart”). How fitting for someone who was, and still is, in many ways a champion of the authority of the Church—God.

“It is indeed sometimes said that the stream is clearest near the spring. Whatever use may fairly be made of this image, it does not apply to the history of a philosophy or belief, which on the contrary is more equable, and purer, and stronger, when its bed has become deep, and broad, and full. It necessarily rises out of an existing state of things, and for a time savours of the soil. Its vital element needs disengaging from what is foreign and temporary, and is employed in efforts after freedom which become more vigorous and hopeful as its years increase. Its beginnings are no measure of its capabilities, nor of its scope. At first no one knows what it is, or what it is worth. It remains perhaps for a time quiescent; it tries, as it were, its limbs, and proves the ground under it, and feels its way. From time to time it makes essays which fail, and are in consequence abandoned. It seems in suspense which way to go; it wavers, and at length strikes out in one definite direction. In time it enters upon strange territory; points of controversy alter their bearing; parties rise and around it; dangers and hopes appear in new relations; and old principles reappear under new forms. It changes with them in order to remain the same. In a higher world it is otherwise, but here below to live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.” – Blessed John Henry Newman