God’s presence

With God, It’s All For Good…

It is written in the Book of Wisdom, “God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living.” (Wisdom 1:13). As ones created in the image of God, we are to live and behave as such. And while an eye for an eye or “getting even” may be tempting at times, it can lead to the destruction of another of God’s creation and can create a false sense of satisfaction, neither of which are in line with the image of God, or life giving.

In the second reading for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that there is much more to discipleship than what one believes, what one knows, says, and does, and one’s conviction. It is the spirit in which one lives, and that guides one.

St. Paul writes, “For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. Not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their needs, so that their abundance may also supply your needs, that there may be equality.” (2 Corinthians 8:9, 13-14).

It is only fitting that those created in God’s image be mindful of disparity and strive to recognize and honor the image of God in others, and therefore work toward, encourage, and support equality. The mindset that St. Paul is encouraging is not new. In fact, he writes, “As it is written: ‘Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less.'” (2 Corinthians 8:15). He is referring to the Book of Exodus (Ex 16:18) and how the Manna (the nourishment that God provided for Moses and Israelites) was allotted. It did not matter how much or how little one person gathered, there was enough for everyone to have what they needed. Not only that, but also there was great awareness that it was all provided through the goodness—love and mercy—of God.

One could not think of what they collected as belonging to oneself, but rather as being provided by God, and as one created in the image of God, it was to be shared and for everyone to partake of. There was to be equality, or equity, in terms of everyone having what they needed to not only survive, but to keep moving along the journey.

Turning to the Gospel passage (Mark 5:21-43), again we can see that it’s all about equity. A synagogue official’s daughter is on her death bed, and he begs Jesus to heal her, “Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” Jesus begins to follow Jairus. They are moving through the heavy crowd when a woman who also needs Jesus’s help touches his cloak saying, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.”

One can imagine, especially given that period of time in history, that as a man and a synagogue official, Jairus would be able to gain Jesus’s attention and position himself to have access to Jesus more easily than the woman. Both Jairus (or his daughter) and the woman need healing, but each needs to approach the situation differently because of their circumstances. To Jesus, it doesn’t matter who got to him first or last, or who has more or less (power, possessions, status, etc.). As with God’s grace, Jesus’s healing is equitable and those who approach in faith get what they need—the woman’s hemorrhaging comes to an end and Jairus’s daughter is raised by Jesus. How do you relate to Jairus and/or the woman with a hemorrhage in terms of approach and asking in prayer?

Oftentimes, when thinking about faith and asking for something, it can be can easy to only think in terms asking God or Jesus for what one needs or wants. However, being created in the image of God, we are called to also look at the other side of this. Take some time to pray and reflect on the spirit in which you respond when it comes the needs and wants of others. In what ways does Jesus’s sense of equality and equity increase your faith and inspire you?

Sing praise to the Lord, you faithful;
give thanks to his holy memory.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
his favor a lifetime.
At dusk weeping comes for the night;
but at dawn there is rejoicing. – Psalm 30:5-6

Flowers on the ground

By Faith…

So strong, so brave, so full of Life,
So strong, so brave, so full of Light.
Each day a treasure to behold,
Some sweet, and some that smart,
Some unlike any of the others.
So many days along the way,
Melting one into the other.
As you fell, we fell, always together,
Like flowers dropping off their stems,
Holding onto shape and color,
Faithful always, and to the end.
So strong, so brave, still so full of Life.
So strong, so brave, still so full of Light.

Flowers on the ground

For we walk by faith, not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7

Alpha to Omega Design on a Communion Pix

United from Beginning to End…

In the First Reading for the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity (Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40), Moses reminds the people of how God has been present to them in Egypt and the magnitude of what God has done for them. He then implores them to use these experiences to remain focused on God as well as God’s ways thru adherence to God’s statutes and commandments. There can be a tendency to think of statutes and commandments as confining, but when taken into consideration along with the bigger picture of God’s dedication and love for all of creation, they can be seen as providing concrete ways to create unity and exercise respect and dignity with a goal of freedom and protection for one and all.

With God there is always more than one side. The relationship is mutual and considers all parties. There are statutes and commandments, but there are also God’s actions, not just telling humanity how to be, but also leading the way and showing us by example. The verses in the Psalm (Ps 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22) describe the Lord’s words, actions, and persona as: upright, trustworthy, just, right, kind, effective, protective, and helpful. These attributes are also infused in the statutes and commandments. They are extended to us by God and in turn we are to extend them to each other.

In the Second Reading (Romans 8:14-17), St. Paul reminds us of our part in the Trinity. As “children of God” and “Joint heirs with Christ” we are not to be enslaved by fear, but rather to live in and be led by the Spirit of God. The passage begins with a salutation of “Brothers and Sisters.” This is not an uncommon greeting. Readings from the letters of St. Paul often begin with a salutation of “Brothers and Sisters,” perhaps to continually express the overall desire and focus on the goal of unity with the Lord and one and another. Imagine starting all your communications with “Brothers and Sisters” or adding “Brothers and Sisters” to communications you receive. How might that shape what you write/say and how you receive what is written/said to you?

Moving on to the Gospel passage known as the Commissioning of the Disciples (Matthew 28:16-20), the disciples, who have gone to Galilee as instructed by Jesus, encounter the risen Jesus. It is written, “they worshipped, but they doubted.” (verse 17). What’s it like to think that despite the existence of doubt, they were still seen as worthy, encountered Jesus, and were given the opportunity to serve as Jesus’ disciples? When situations arise, it can be tempting to give rise to doubt or to fall into a one thing or another, or all or nothing mindset. However, with the Lord, all are worthy, there are often many ways and different degrees to serve, and faith always triumphs over doubt.      

Overall, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity presents an opportunity to acknowledge, contemplate, and celebrate how one experiences the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. When you consider each aspect of the Trinity, what characteristics or attributes come to mind? How have you experienced these in your life and how has your prayer been influenced by them? In what ways are you inspired by the Holy Trinity individually and in your relationships? How might the Trinity influence you to overcome uncertainty or division and work toward unity, to better communicate or deepen relationships, or in any related discernment?

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty.” – Revelation 1:8

Pentecost

Amazing…

The goodness of your breath O God,
filled me up, heart and soul and body,
and got me started.
The faithfulness of your presence
Carries me along, and your spirit,
Moves me to what is best.

How much? How many? What rank?
It does not matter; not a single bit.
Besides, who am I to measure?

You lead me through both highs and lows.
You teach me how to be, and what to cherish.
I am lifted up and over by your love and care.
Amazing how you do it. Amazing!
The glory is forever yours, and yours alone,
Yet, you always share it.

Pentecost

When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. – Psalm 104:30

Heart shape made out of a pearl necklace

Marjorie’s Pearls…

A long time ago, in a place that’s near, but that seems so far away, an experience that left a lasting impression occurred. I was preparing to leave for college orientation and one of my aunts was at my family’s home visiting. She came into mine and my sister’s room as I was packing some clothes and we had a conversation. I don’t recall how long it lasted or even what we were talking about, but I do recall how it felt to have here there. She was so caring and genuinely interested in being present to me in those moments. I often think of that day with fondness and remember feeling so loved by her, both then, and every time it’s come to mind since then. There were pearls of wisdom, simply in her presence.

I’m not sure that I ever told her how much that time together meant to me, but I will always remember it, along with her hugs, as if embracing one with all her heart and soul—the very definition of Love.

In the second reading for the 7th Sunday of Easter (1 John 4:11-16), it is written:

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. 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.”

Consider taking some time to reflect on the verses above and how they come into play in daily life including interactions with those who are known by you and those who are yet to be known by you (strangers). In what ways might you better cooperate with God in working to bring love to perfection in you as well as through you?

Heart shape made out of a pearl necklace

Every Day…

Holy days and holidays
ushered in between the rush,
bring a slowing down,
or temporary halt at best.
Then, it’s back to the pace
of pressure; quick and fast,
As if the Lord did not make every day.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. – Psalm 118:24

This is the Day the Lord Has Made…

Neither grave, nor the gravity,
Could hold Him down.
That cross, though heavy,
Not heavy enough,
Nor could it ever be.
A temporary thing,
A passage, passing with time,
The Begotten not gone.

That stone, though big,
Not big enough,
Nor could it ever be.
A temporary thing,
A passage, passing with time.
The Begotten hidden,
Not seen, not heard,
But certainly not gone.

Then, Easter.
Arriving between the quiet,
Entering amid the stillness,
And everything changes.
Everything becomes new again,
In the remembering of what is.
Nothing ever stronger than What was,
What is, and What shall ever be.

Just as Light cannot be kept from shining,
And Truth, refusing to remain hidden,
There is no greater shield or power than that created by Creator.
We are more than passengers on borrowed time.
More than temporary things or passages, passing with time.
And in Him, with Him, and thru Him,
Neither grave, nor the gravity,
Can hold us down.

Your Grace…

Breaking, broke, broken,
Rescued, healed, awoken,
Ever taken with your Way.
For the sake of all,
It’s all the same.
No one more than the other,
Each onto its own,
But gathered in Your name.

Your grace O Lord,
The longing of our hearts.
Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani.
At times, perhaps,
We think we know,
Yet thinking doesn’t make it so.

Your grace O Lord,
The longing of our hearts.
We feel one way or another,
Sometimes many ways at once,
Yet feeling doesn’t make it so.

Your grace O Lord,
The longing of our hearts.
With us, within us,
Always within reach.

Your grace O Lord,
Makes known your Way,
The desire in our hearts,
Yours and ours together,
Rising up, makes it so.

The Pilot…

To get somewhere, one needs to know where they are in relation to where they want to be and then to come up with a travel plan. However, oftentimes the path or trajectory shifts or ends up being different due to changing circumstances such as weather, terrain, and/or other unexpected issues. And while there are rules of navigation, the ability to adapt and adjust is crucial just as much as precision is.

One way to consider the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent is not only as tools, but precision tools for navigation. In the first reading (Jeremiah 31:31-34), the prophet reveals that God is making some adjustments. This is not a change in commitment level or objective, but rather a change in approach.

“I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. They will no longer teach their friends and relatives, “Know the Lord!” Everyone, from least to greatest, shall know me—oracle of the Lord—for I will forgive their iniquity and no longer remember their sin.” (verses 33-34)

God’s communication is going to be directed straight to God’s people (not requiring a “go-between” or a 3rd person account), making it more personal and approachable as well as accepting and forgiving—all hallmarks of a healthy relationship.

In the responsorial psalm (Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15), the psalmist expresses a desire for God to wash away their wrongdoing and states:

“A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.” (verses 12-13)

Since a heart cannot be clean or pure when it’s holding onto transgressions, resentments, or cold feelings toward oneself or others, the psalmist first asks for God’s mercy (for these things holding them back to be lifted from them). Once the obstacle(s) is removed, the way toward a heart that is unwavering in faithfulness to God is opened because the heart is better able to receive the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit.   

In the Letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul uses two words, in the passage for the second reading (Hebrews 5:7-9), that are sometimes received less enthusiastically than words like mercy and compassion. They are “reverence” and “obedience.” St. Paul writes of Jesus: “…he was heard because of his reverence” and “…he learned obedience from what he suffered”. Jesus’s relationship with God was open and honest; it was sacred. Jesus walked this earth, rooted in a desire to do God’s will and always seeking God as his source of strength and wisdom to face what he needed to face. When taken in the light of Jesus’ example, these words, “reverence” and “obedience”, when chosen with one’s free will express an attitude of humility and faithfulness to God, and of God to us.

Coming to the Gospel (John 12:20-33), Jesus’s words here strike at the heart of navigating. That is, holding onto or maintaining focus on the end goal despite the challenges that arise along the way.

It is written:

“Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (verse 23-24).

If one is going to get to their destination, they can’t stay in one place or state of being. A change, shift or movement toward what one desires is necessary.

“I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour.” (verse 27)

Jesus knows his purpose or mission through his relationship with God. What are you and God aiming for as you navigate? (If unsure, consider what is fulfilling or rings true with the soul, bringing a sense of peace.)

“Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” (verse 28)

When two wills move together, there is resonance in words and actions. However, there can only be one pilot.

“Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out.” (verse 31)

Jesus knows who’s leading the way and encourages us toward awareness as well.

May the strength of God pilot us,
may the wisdom of God instruct us,
may the hand of God protect us,
may the word of God direct us.
Be always ours this day and for evermore. – St. Patrick

Handiwork…

On this 4th Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, the readings invite us to consider the depth of God’s steadfastness and love. Focusing on the second reading, take some time to reflect on the qualities of God (rich in mercy, great love, etc.).

Brothers and sisters:
God, who is rich in mercy,
because of the great love he had for us,
even when we were dead in our transgressions,
brought us to life with Christ — by grace you have been saved —,
raised us up with him,
and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,
that in the ages to come
He might show the immeasurable riches of his grace
in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;
it is not from works, so no one may boast.
For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works
that God has prepared in advance,
that we should live in them. – Ephesians 2:4-10

How do you experience these qualities in your life? In your relationship with God and others, where do you give? and where do you withhold? Take some time to ponder being God’s handiwork.

“You often say, “I would give, but only to the deserving.”
The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.” – Kahlil Gibran