Finding common ground

Company…

In the process of growing up, a sense of right and wrong forms within. It’s based upon lessons learned, whether explicitly taught to one or gleaned from experiences. This sense is accompanied by the development of principles as well as the assignment of value to people, places, and things. Oftentimes this process is impacted not only by one’s immediate environment, but also by one’s community, the broader society, and perhaps, the happenings throughout the world as well. It’s human nature, after all, to derive meaning and to be affected by one’s surroundings and the people, places, and things, to which one is exposed. Hence the saying that one is known by one’s companions.

In chapter one of the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, Paul is imploring the Corinthians to be united in the Lord rather than torn apart by their differences. How poignant for the times we live in today. The wisdom of this Bible passage speaks to us today just as the letter of St. Paul did to the Corinthians. Warning them, and us, that continuing on a path with such great division, serves only to unravel us, and that it is only through unity that we can overcome such a fate. So how do we move toward greater unity?

Most importantly, as St. Paul suggests, we need to return to the truth. Underneath all that divides us, and at the core of all that we are, and all that we can be, is the fact that our meaning and purpose comes from something far greater than any one person or group could ever encompass. We need to recognize when we are being pulled away and distracted from this truth, and to remove ourselves from partaking in any movements that seek to undermine honesty and integrity, in any way. The “win at all costs” mentality that seems so pervasive and accepted in society, needs to be challenged.

This is what St. Paul is talking about when he writes about there being rivalries and urges the people to stop thinking of themselves as belonging solely to one identity over another. This is what causes the great divide, and serves to scatter us, undoing the power and potential of unity.

When we move through the influence of our Oneness, see our differences as being ordained by God, and use them as the bond of perfection that they can be, we are able to come together in ways that value, serve, and work to benefit all of creation, and that give glory to God. When we trust the longings of true love and follow the example of Jesus, pride, prejudice, status, and exclusivity fall away and the unity that results brings greater—lasting—meaning and purpose to our lives than we could ever achieve on our own or within any segment of society seeking its own good over the good of all.

Paul writes, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.”

“The wisdom of human eloquence” would encourage one to find and stay with those around whom one feels most comfortable and identifies most closely. St. Paul is saying, don’t be fooled. He is saying, seek to be in the company of the Lord. Identify, first and foremost, with the Lord, so that you may experience redemption and your life may have direction and meaning that extend beyond the narrow confines of human understanding.         

Reflect and pray:

When you contemplate the company you keep, what are some of the values or meaning you derive from your relationship with God and others? Where, and in what ways, do you experience unity?

As you go about your day or your week, what kind of companion are you?

How do expectations come into play with regards to your ability for companionship? And in what ways do you see the Lord as companioning you and vice versa?

When you reflect on the notion of an invitation to be a companion of the Lord awaiting you in all circumstances, what is your reaction or response?

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that all of you agree in what you say,
and that there be no divisions among you,
but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.
For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters,
by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you.
I mean that each of you is saying,
“I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,”
or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.”
Is Christ divided?
Was Paul crucified for you?
Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel,
and not with the wisdom of human eloquence,
so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning. – 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17

On Earth…

This week, during a rainy, windy evening, suddenly there was a loud and thunderous noise. Jumping up to look out the window, the street and lantern lights made visible a blur of branches and leaves on a large oak tree as it made its way down to the ground. Thankfully, despite the cars traveling in both directions on the road, at the time, no one was hurt. Traffic ended up being re-routed and within hours the Department of Public Works pushed all the debris off the road so that cars could once again travel freely up and down the street.

Now, this tree had a very large limb dry up during months of drought in the area and in the weeks prior to this one, it had partially fallen away from the trunk. From the street, one could see it was resting on the ground while still hanging on, as if by a thread. However, it wasn’t until the remainder of the tree fell to the ground, that one could see the dried-out limb not only hanging on still, but also looking like a giant pair of legs, perhaps trying to run by or break free from the rest of the tree.

Today, taking in the sight that lies beyond construction barrels put into place to forewarn or keep back passers-by, but seeming more like a beacon calling forth, it’s interesting how these legs and their trunk appear so much bigger than they seemed when the tree was standing tall. It seems there’s so much more to discover about them now that they are down to earth, unmasked in a sense. Their depth, their breadth, their character, shine brighter than before… legs posing as if in an athletic move of some kind or another. Are they coming? Are they going? Maybe they’re doing both. Or, perhaps, it’s a maneuver, careful to resist trampling the branches and leaves all around them.

Shifting focus, fallen branches spread about, pointing in many ways; some with shriveled, brown leaves holding on, and then others with green or yellow leaves, holding on as well. Common ground on the ground, connected at the core, together. Next, a splintered trunk displaying hearty, woody layers that, though broken, still look fresh and full of life.

Imagine now, all these things once hidden, or less likely to be noticed, now laying on or partly resting on the floor, as if drawing closer to one another, to reveal an image not of heaven, but of faith on earth.

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:2

To Build or Coming Together…

Walking along the pace is brisk in some places
and much slower and methodical at others.
The path so concrete,
laid out as clear as day,
but then seemingly disappearing,
leaving those travelling it to take stock…
to figure the way forward that safely,
or maybe wisely, fits them best.
Yet, sometimes the “where I am” and “where I want to be”
do not meet, or maybe just not yet.

A process that makes time, and the taking of it,
not only a good thing,
but also a necessary thing.
Overall, a journey building upon itself
before coming to the end of the trek,
or this one, on this plane, at least,
and landing on stable ground,
or rather learning to be steady
on whatever the ground may be.

While some building may call for a single column
as if marking the way,
some calls are for branching out,
and lending support.
Still rising, tall and strong,
a new look on a familiar way,
always moving, continuing the journey,
sometimes quick, slower at others,
maybe even coming to a pause,
but ultimately, always moving toward,
if not with, greater depth.

Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed. – Heb 12:13

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

Coming Up Roses…

So simple… love one another… not so simple.

Impossible? At times, it may seem so.

Yet, no, not impossible,

but rather challenging,

and only truly possible through the grace of God.

No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,
and his love is brought to perfection in us. – 1 John 4:12

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.

Fountain2