Freedom

Be Dazzled…

The readings for the Second Sunday of Lent take us on a journey from sacrifice or letting go to service, embracing identity, and finally becoming one with it. In the first reading, Abraham shows a willingness to sacrifice or let go of whatever his ideas or plans might have been to listen to God and do as God asks (Genesis 22:1-18). Remember, Sarah and Abraham, in their more senior years and against all odds, had their son Isaac after having been barren. Imagine what it must have been like for Abraham to then be asked to sacrifice or let go of his and Sarah’s long-awaited arrival. Yet, Abraham exemplifies a faith that places trust in God (and God alone) above all. He proceeds to take steps toward what God has asked of him. As they left the servants behind and walked along, Isaac asks his father where the sheep is for their offering. Abraham replies, “God will provide the sheep for the burnt offering.” Once they finish building an altar and placing the wood, Abraham moves toward sacrificing his and Sarah’s only child. However, the angel stops him as Isaac’s demise is not what God wills. As Abraham said, God does provide the sheep for sacrifice: “Abraham looked up and saw a single ram caught by its horns in the thicket. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering in place of his son.” And the wisdom of his response to God’s requests and promptings shows that being faithful is to nurture a will that is open to and guided by God. For it is this kind of will that does not lead to demise or destruction.

Continuing to look to what it is to be faithful to God, the response for the Psalm is “I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living” (Psalm 116:9). How do you feel motivated by Abraham’s example of striving to serve God with a united heart and mind? Try to envision or embody the spirit of walking before God in all that you say and do this week.

Turning to the second reading (Romans 8:31b-34), St. Paul encourages us to remember and embrace our identity when he writes: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” When one is operating with a desire to do God’s will and in the scope of being part of creation in God’s image, there is a sense of inner strength, awareness, and reverence for what is good and just while at the same time a sense of lightness and freedom or free will. It is important to pause every so often to examine what’s going on internally and from where one’s words and actions are flowing. Invite Jesus to the conversation and ask the Lord for the grace to be aligned compatibly with God in each situation you face.

In this week’s Gospel, we read about the Transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:2-10), the ultimate image of embracing one’s identity and becoming one with it for the greater good.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them,
and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;
from the cloud came a voice,
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,
except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
So they kept the matter to themselves,
questioning what rising from the dead meant. – Mark 9:2-10

Recall a time where you felt affirmed or reaffirmed and had a sense of confidence in who you are as God’s beloved, leading to spiritual growth or renewal. Ask the Lord for the grace of that experience to extend to today, offering you wisdom, insight, and openness to whatever you may need.

Time to Stop and Time to Go… Time for Peace?

Literally, the second the light turns green, horns are honking. Sometimes, it is from cars two or three deep in line! Imagine if instead of cars on the roads, it was just people, single file, moving on foot. Stop or go to the rhythm of the traffic lights. Perhaps it would be more like the game musical chairs than the one named “Simon Says,” but in today’s world, likely more dangerous, and certainly far more intense.

While in situations like driving, signs of impatience can be much easier to spot, at other times it can be harder to see when patience is absent or slipping away. The second reading for the Third Sunday of Advent (Jas 5:7-10), begins with, “Be patient, brothers and sisters.” It seems so fitting that during one of the busiest times of the year for many people, these verses in the Letter of James contain a form of the word, and urges patience four times, once each in three out of the four verses. And, as for the one verse that doesn’t use the word, it calls us to ponder one of the ways that human beings tend to handle displeasure with one another (“Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged.” – v.9).

Think of a recent experience where you were on the receiving end of your own or someone else’s impatience or displeasure. What happened? And what judgments were involved?

Now, think of a recent experience where you were the one responding with impatience or displeasure. What was going on? And what opinions or beliefs were involved?

In each situation, how might an increase of your own patience have improved the situation or the aftermath of it?

When pausing to think of recent experiences where patience was lacking or displeasure arose, on someone else’s part or on your part, which experience was easier to recall? Which experience came to mind more quickly?

It can be tempting to see patience in terms of something someone has or does not have. However, like any other attribute, it’s possible for it to exist in some situations and not in others. This is important because oftentimes it can be easy to think, “I’m patient,” or “I’m…” this or that based on a small sampling of situations that one’s ego might readily serve up to “pass the test” and move us along from further introspection and possibly attaining additional growth and greater freedom; things that are impossible without honestly looking across and considering the spectrum of one’s life experiences.

An Advent Prayer: Lord, help me to allow you to direct the pace of each day. Through my stopping and going, and all that may occur between, may my actions and responses reflect grace and genuine patience and understanding that flows from you, regardless of what I may or may not receive in return. And help me to continue to look to you, that you may grant me the grace to notice and appreciate the beauty and goodness of all creation, and the heart and soul of those I encounter each day.

Be patient, brothers and sisters,
until the coming of the Lord.
See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,
being patient with it
until it receives the early and the late rains.
You too must be patient.
Make your hearts firm,
because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another,
that you may not be judged.
Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.
Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters,
the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. – James 5:7-10

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

Buck…

After a brief wait of silence and darkness, there it was—a buck. It entered into view, sauntered around, and then moved on, disappearing just as it had appeared. I quietly watched, in awe of its tranquil but purposeful movement and noticing its antlers. Perhaps this was the older version of the same buck that passed through a couple of months earlier. If so, my how it had grown in a relatively short period. Beyond its features, especially its antlers that were more pronounced, it seemed more sure-footed and astute in the way it carried itself.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to see the nighttime movement of a number of animals as captured by a family member’s trail camera. It has been both interesting and fascinating to observe the way these creatures move about, crossover, and pass through the yard and woods behind it. They appear uninhibited, but at the same time quiet, reserved, and respectful.

In the hours of the night and into the dawn, the environment not only holds peace, but also gives it. It is one with room for pensive pauses and calming paces. Sometimes, what the darkness of night offers can be encouraging and uplifting, just as much as that of day.

Strength and wisdom come, inner stillness enlightening each night and every day.

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A psalm of David.
LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy mountain?

Whoever walks without blame,
doing what is right,
speaking truth from the heart;

Who does not slander with his tongue,
does no harm to a friend,
never defames a neighbor;
Who disdains the wicked,
but honors those who fear the LORD;
Who keeps an oath despite the cost,
lends no money at interest,
accepts no bribe against the innocent.

Whoever acts like this
shall never be shaken. – Psalm 15

Breaking Away…

Looking out the window, in the midst of being stuck on something for work, I wondered why the flow of cars had come to a stop. It was not even close to commuter traffic time. I stood up and went closer to the window to try to see what was happening outside. As I surveyed the street to the right and then back to the left, all at once the reasons for the holdup came into view.

The two beautiful horses that are normally fenced in across the street were leisurely jogging on the sidewalk, past the stopped cars on the road. I watched in awe as they calmly made their way down the street. Just as they passed my house, they started to turn left toward their home field, but then briefly paused and turned right, crossing the street at a wide opening between some cars, and taking a break in a next door neighbor’s front yard.

They seemed to be enjoying the air outside their usual stomping grounds. They stood there for a few moments, completely unaware of the angst of those trying to carefully restore them to those very grounds. They looked so very majestic and peaceful too.

While the horses breaking free and strolling around the neighborhood caused a bit of a stir, stopping traffic and leading officers to the scene, they were eventually led back to their enclosure. Everyone, horses, owners, officers, witnesses of the “jail” break, and passersby alike, continued on their way safe and sound. I went back to work, no longer stuck.

It is interesting how taking a little time to check things out, especially the unexpected, can bring with it an opportunity for great joy, an encounter or experience that can brighten an ordinary day, and perhaps even lead to insight and discovery of one kind or another. All of us, like the horses running down my street, need to step away or move into a different space at times, and take a breath of fresh air.

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For example…

As I looked around, I saw so many faces. Some were familiar and some were new, but all were listening with great interest and intrigue. I felt overwhelmed with a sense of joy and gratitude. How good it was to be in a place that seemed to be filled with openness and a deep desire for good.

As we all listened, we were reminded of ways in which God is ever-present. Not only is God always with us, but also constantly emanating a love for all creation… a love that is boundless, alongside mercy and compassion that is endless.

We sat and listened to experiences that were shared and our hearts were touched as we marveled at the manner in which God brings people together for more than the good of just a select few or a particular group. Again, reminded of a Love that is not only beyond limit, but also beyond compare… a Love in which we share.

It was good to listen and to remember, but perhaps most important, it was liberating.

It is amazing what the power of example can do when there is openness to receiving it. Sometimes it helps to ask, “What am I holding onto? And how is it affecting me, and those around me?”

Let go and let God. Oftentimes, that is all that is needed.

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If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the desert,
Where your fathers tempted me;
they tested me though they had seen my works.”

If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.

— Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9.

Waterloo…

Surrender, keep doing it, I thought as I heard the beginning lyrics to the song. On the 18th of June, in 1815, Napoleon surrendered at the Battle of Waterloo, ending the 20 year span of Napoleonic Wars. Just five months earlier, on January 18th, the War of 1812 ended as the Battle of New Orleans came to a close, also with surrender by another general, from another country.

In all the years prior to 1815, and all those since, many a battle has been fought throughout the world. Sometimes they have been to make right, wrongs, and oftentimes they have been to take or keep hold of power, land, and possessions. Throughout time, who is “in charge” and of what they are in charge changes. Also over time, as things change, we may change, and our perceptions of events tend to shift too.

Just as battles have raged on, around the world throughout the centuries, they also occur within our souls. There is so much that perhaps we see only in hindsight. Why is that? Or, even better, what causes that?

Possessions, of one kind or another, clearly seem to take hold, to strike up life, and attempt to take root inside us, creating a fog along the way. However much that might seem to be part of human nature though, it does not have to be the rule. How so?

Seek to uncover, or if you have already discovered it, each and every day, seek to cling to and keep embracing, the truth of who you are, the ways in which you are blessed, and what your universal purpose is. That is, strive to be one with the mission and version of you that is simpatico with the good of all. Live from that place, and you will be set free of all that might otherwise possess you, and cull you into seeking possessions and territories.

And when you slip, or fall, because we all do, go back to that place, and “waterloo”.

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A Tale, Tried and True…

Recently I attended a local theatre production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Near the beginning of this Classic story, the ghost of Jacob Marley visits his friend and business partner in his earthly life, Ebenezer Scrooge. He carries with him, wrapped around him and weighing him down, chains. As Jacob is explaining to Ebenezer the reason for his bondage… how each link in the chain was the result of the choices he had made throughout his life, Ebenezer refutes what his friend is trying to tell him and begins speaking of Jacob’s great business sense and financial success. To this, Jacob replies,

“Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

In essence, to be at our best, to be truly successful, is to be human and to act humane, as one faces the circumstances that life presents. While this can be more than just a little hard at times, especially when there is so much beyond our control, it is what we were created for… we were built for the greater good. That is the Christmas Spirit. The same Spirit we witness when people pull together, reach out and connect to one another in the face of tragedy or disaster or in the course of the every day.

Everything we need to resist and overcome evil, all that is good, the Spirit, resides within each of us, all the time. The choice is whether to uncover, seek and embrace it, to become one with it, allowing it to be palpable and visible to others. The task is to open, and to keep opening ourselves to it, each, and every day, trusting that we are not alone in this effort. Trusting… believing that in each moment, the grace of God is waiting to set us free and to help us rise up to all that we can be.

Jacob Marley visited Ebenezer Scrooge to testify to the Light so that his friend might believe, and in and through believing be changed for the better. We can do all that too.

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Change – Are You Ready to Let Go?

It serves us well to remember that while the sun greets each day and the moon bids it farewell, each day is not the same. Though the hours in a day remain the same, each day offers countless possibilities and opportunities. In order to pursue or partake of them, though, often requires one to make a change.

While we do need some things to be consistent and to have some structure, it is often good to re-evaluate our routines. Are there ways in which I have become closed off to that which is new or different? Is there room for change?

Change… Why is change so hard for some and seemingly not for others? Perhaps it is because there is often more to the story than meets the eye. Sometimes the need for change may not be recognized. Other times when we shy away from it, “resistance to change” is often the roommate of “struggling to let go.”

Usually one must let go of something, or perhaps multiple things, in order to make space for what is new or different. What that thing is can vary greatly. It might be a person, job, house, car or another material possession; or it might be something intangible such as an attitude or a perspective. Sometimes it can be hard to realize that whatever I cannot let go, “owns” me in some way, and, as long as it does, I will not be free to choose or be open to change.

A number of years ago as I prepared to direct my first weekend retreat, I recall feeling a sense of pressure – or greater responsibility – at the thought of working with people for such a short period of time. In looking more closely at what was going on and with a little help, I was able to recognize and name the worldly notion onto which I was holding: that somehow I alone was responsible for a fruitful weekend. Yes, my role as a spiritual director was important, and I needed to be mindful of that, but I also needed to remember that, ultimately, I was not “in charge” and the One who was, was more than capable. In doing so, I felt a greater sense of freedom and could carry on pressure-free as I met with retreatants. Letting go in this way enabled me to be more open. It also enabled me to be more patient with both myself and each retreatant, as if our time together would be endless, trusting that all desires brought to prayer are heard and responded to in time regardless of whether or not I had the privilege to witness the entire process. As the saying goes, I “let go and let God.”

Failing to let go of whatever may be holding us back, is like closing the door not only to change, but also to what may await on the horizon. We live in a world that tells us there is one shot to get it “right” and if we miss, we are out of luck. However, if we look to creation we can see that this is not true. Luckily, or rather blessedly, we often get more than one chance to rise to the occasion and embrace change.

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