God’s presence

Under The Influence…

It seems that human nature tends toward comparison and judgment along with practices that help one to “find their place” and obtain some level of comfort. However, although these skills might be helpful in deciphering and navigating the world around us, they can also lead to complacency, and a sedentary or fixed way of seeing and being. The readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King offer an opportunity to reflect upon choices, judgments, and viewpoints, and to consider by what or whom they are influenced. Or, in other words, to contemplate who is leading you.     

In the First Reading (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17), the deep level of care and protective nature of God is expressed.

“Thus says the Lord God: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.” (v. 11).

The passage continues to describe God’s desire to rescue, find, and heal as well as God’s promise to make judgments and course correct those who are wrong or have gone astray.

How do you feel about this notion? What’s it like to leave the judgment and course correction to God? Are there areas in which it is more of a challenge than others? Spend some time in prayer asking for guidance around replacing judgments that veer away from God’s desire for you and for a clearer vision of what role God desires for you.

In the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 23:1-3,5-6), we stay with the image of the Shepherd who takes care of and provides for his sheep. The psalmist writes of the Lord as refreshing their soul, guiding them in right paths, and blessing them so that “goodness and kindness follow” them. The psalmist then says, “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come” (v. 6).

What do you think they mean? What do you imagine that would be like? How would it feel? In what places or situations have you experienced similar feelings?  

“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” (v. 1).

In what ways do you feel inspired when you imagine God’s loving presence permeating all experiences and capable of extending beyond all that might otherwise be a barrier?

Looking to the Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28), St. Paul writes about Christ the King who helps us to life by helping us to overcome death, in its various forms, while at the same time leaving the ultimate judgment to God.  

“then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.” (v. 24-26, 28).   

What happens when you think about Jesus, to whom God subjected all things, handing the kingdom back to God (v. 24) and subjecting Himself to God? What’s it like for you to let go of something that you have obtained or been given? Where is God in that decision or process?

Now turning to the Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46), Jesus talks to his disciples about the final judgment and separation between sheep (the righteous) and goats. Notice how the criteria that Jesus describes are all things that can be done to take care of and protect others.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” (v. 35-36).

There is always more than just “I,” “me,” and “mine,” and part of striving for the Kingdom of God is not only to know this, but also to live in a way that shows respect, dignity, appreciation, and care for others. Also, it’s not about being perfect or being able to amass a long list of service to others, but rather about focusing efforts on being in service of God by surrendering one’s heart and mind to being under the influence, united with, and led by God.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. – Ps 23:1

The Strength to Get Along…

Taken by the contrasting colors of the leaves against the soothing blue backdrop of the sky, it’s interesting how well they get along.

In the Gospel passage for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the heart of Jesus’ response can be seen as an invitation to consider love, and how it is revealed through, and in, relationships. Jesus reminds us that being faithful to God is more than striving to love and serve God. It also involves striving to love or to take care of oneself as well as one’s neighbor.

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees,
they gathered together, and one of them,
a scholar of the law tested him by asking,
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
He said to him,
“You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” – Mt 22:34-40

Reflecting upon the past week, in what ways did you strive to love and serve God? What thoughts and feelings surface as you recall the situations where the love of God was most present to you? Allow yourself to envision God’s response to a heart, your heart, operating in love and service.

Continuing to stay with the moments of the past week, are there ways you took care of yourself through them? Take some time to consider more fully how each experience came about. What might God want you to know about them? How might you pray in response?  

What moments come to mind as ones where the love you have received extended beyond yourself whether in thought or deed?

Still reviewing the past week, who or what would you include as your neighbors (family, community members, any fellow human being, animals, nature, etc.)? What did you appreciate in them? For each way that you might have struggled to appreciate them or that you felt more than a little challenged by them, try to return to naming something you appreciated.

How do you feel inspired by the things that you have contemplated during this time? And what do you desire to carry forward?

I love you, Lord, my strength. – Psalm 18:2

Lights in the World…

Leaning into Fall, the trees embrace the Essence of their nature. Season after season, year after year, who’s to say on time, or in time? Either way, waiting without edge, trusting in the beauty of Your time as you gently reveal the colors, so many colors, of Your way.

Beacon calling out to one and all alike, remember: life is but a spectrum, at its fullest and shining bright, when casting out the shadows, fears, and doubts. Your light so much stronger than the decay, rising up and out from far below.

It’s time to recognize again who we really are. So much alike, created to be different, but not with indifference or carrying any shades of hate. Loved into existence, the vision of Your eye. Side by side, each and every one of us are vessels of Your grace, and we all have a place.

Holy God, Most High Creator, hold us all together, unite us in Your heart… in our hearts.    

Shine like lights in the world as you hold on to the word of life. – Phil 2:15d, 16a

Beloved Moments…

There’s something about climbing a mountain, of any kind, that lends itself to leaning in. Stepping ahead, slowing down, gaining traction, sometimes even resting. Hints here and there—leading, reaching, stretching—all progress in this journey.

There’s something about climbing a mountain, of any kind, that lends itself to letting go. Noticing moments filled with movement; movement filled with moments. Some are silent and others not. Some are focused more than others. A mix of sorts, obstacles slowly falling away, leaving room for air as well as airing.

There’s something about climbing a mountain, of any kind, that lends itself to learning. Exploring ups and downs, reflecting on what’s over, up ahead, or coming around. Changing ever changing, discovering what’s important and tossing what is not.

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” – Mt 17:1-9

Creator Creating…

In the course of a day,
One might experience
Many kinds of ground,
Here and there,
Or maybe none at all.
Yet, whatever it may be,
Peace and inner strength await,
While Guidance subtly leads the way,
Where many paths abound.
Willing accompanists through the hours,
Perhaps hidden, under cover,
But always working, nonetheless.
Never kicking back,
Or losing sight.

Whether to relax,
Or continue striving,
Never a question,
Or even a passing thought.
Constant presence, patient…
Never rushing through
On the way to something,
Somewhere or someone else.

Always within reach,
Or better yet, within.
Whether running ahead
Falling back,
Or not too far behind,
Keeping pace,
Or simply being still.
No matter how,
What, where, or when,
Everlasting Love,
Constant Source,
Holding all in deep affection.

Thus says the LORD:
Just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
and do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
so shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
my word shall not return to me void,
but shall do my will,
achieving the end for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:10-11

Familiarity…

What is it that turns the less familiar or unknown into something to be wary of? What is it that stirs up friction, creates angst, and seeks to build fortresses around what is “known” and against what is new or different? While familiarity can be a good thing, it can also get in the way of better things.

At times, what is known can pull at strings, hoping to stretch nerves thin, to direct hearts and minds to narrow ends, and to fill wide, open space with falsehoods. Yes, what’s familiar and comfortable can and will, at times, masquerade around as one beneficial thing or another, while really playing on deep seated or hidden worries, and selling deception as truth.

In the Gospel passage for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 10:26-33), Jesus says, “Fear no one…,” “Do not be afraid…,” “Do not be afraid…” As you think about your day-to-day life, envision yourself looking around and listening. Take notice. What do you see and hear? What thoughts and feelings are evoked? And, more importantly, where, or to whom, does it lead you?

“God made Truth with many doors to welcome every believer who knocks on them.” – Khalil Gibran

This is why it’s so important to take time to pause for prayer and to reflect on not only the direction in which one is travelling, but also to notice who or what is prompting or leading one’s movement.

Throughout Scripture we see God engaging with creation in a way that shows flexibility, mercy, forgiveness, and a give and take that always leaves room for growth of heart and mind, and thus, greater understanding that includes reason, but also often extends beyond it. We also see free will, and the twists and turns and outcomes, often unexpected by the human mind, that flow from it. We see many examples of people acting, reacting, and responding out of fear that sells itself as die-hard commitment to tradition, or presents itself as self-preservation, pride, greed, jealousy, and more. There are also many examples of people rising above the circumstances, in ways alternative to the times in which they lived. And through it all, we see, time and again, God’s flexibility through unwavering love, patience, compassion, forgiveness, integrity, and understanding.

What’s an image from Scripture that comes to mind when you think about interactions between God and a person or group of people? Go to a passage that includes one of the interactions, read it, and then spend some time reflecting on it. What are you most drawn to in the passage? What qualities of God touch your heart most deeply? What is God revealing to you and wanting you to know at this moment?

What’s it like to think that maybe everything you’ve ever known is just a fraction of every good thing that awaits you on the other side of resistance to the unfamiliar?

The Bread of Life…

Breaking free of all that is clutter,
To step away can be a struggle.
More than noise and expectations,
Theories and persuasion.
Competing, always competing,
Ever disguising might as right.
What is it with this clutter,
Going round both day and night?

It can be hard and very trying,
To move beyond its reach,
Or to strive to rise above it.

Yet, sometimes a willing heart,
Into the wide and open air,
Is all it really takes.

Then, leaning back, to catch a glimpse,
And take a breath so deep,
It carries inner strength and peace.
Filled with hope and gentle wisdom,
It’s time to return to what was left behind.
Somehow, it’s all the same,
But also, very different.

Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. – 1 Cor 10:17

You Were There…

There were dancers,
Dancing as they do,
Faces aglow with joy,
Balleting here and there,
Everywhere…

There were singers,
Singing as they do,
Reaching notes both high and low,
In every piece and in each act,
Throughout…

There were actors,
Acting as they do,
More than lines upon a page,
Evoking thought and feeling,
From within…

Beautiful to the eye
And moving to the soul,
Through their feet they worshipped,
Through their words they prayed,
Great strength exercised with ease.

With movements so fluid,
Gentle and precise,
Everywhere and throughout,
From within, there is no doubt,
You were there.

I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. – Ps 27:13

As It Always Does…

The trees, becoming more life like
As they continue to grow deeper
Into their shades of spring,
Fill the air with hope,
And instill a sense of trust.
Not a sign of exactly what’s to come,
But still a sign that’s telling.
The sun will rise,
As it always does.
The sun will set,
As it always does.
Everything else?
All that lies between?
That will come and go,
As it always does.
Leaving behind the hope of days to come,
And the soul keeping faith,
Despite not knowing,
As it always does.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” (Jn 14:1).

Emmaus…

Today, April 22, 2023, as we head into the 3rd Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Earth Day. The earth has been around for over 4.5 billion years, and Earth day? It has been celebrated for 53 years—since 1970.

Despite the comparatively young age of Earth Day, an appreciation for, and the call to honor and preserve the beauty of our planet, nature, and all creation has been ongoing for a far greater time than has been documented. In fact, it’s part of the plan, and path of life. Yet, as with many things, it can become a battle ground… a place for sides to be formed, to rise up against each other, to hold firm, to lose sight, and to stall any attempts at dialogue and resolution, never mind love and mercy.

In the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (Acts 2:14, 22-23; Ps 16:1-2,5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; 1 Pt 1:17-21, and Lk 24:13-35), there lies an invitation to connect more strongly with the path of life as being bigger, and sweeping more broadly, than the circle in which any one individual, or group, travels. So often when we think we know, we don’t. The issues at hand are always more than what we can see, and the way that any one individual may or may not be affected, cannot be used to color the experience of all of humankind. How, after all, is it possible to be open to Divinity, without being open to possibilities?

Turning to Scripture, it seems that those who sought to crucify Jesus, were so sure that he was a threat. It’s clear that His ways were not in line enough with theirs and one can imagine how that might jeopardize their sense of identity, authority, power, and control. We can see how their ability to move in ways that embraced and imbued love, truth, justice, and mercy was hindered by their inability to recognize that they were seeing and acting through their own, limited understanding. There was no room for God on the path to which they were so deeply committed, and this led to them receiving and reacting in fear and seeking even greater control, rather than responding with love.

On the other hand, Jesus, who reacted with love and was inspired by God, could not be held down, even by death.

This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God,
you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.
But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death,
because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
For David says of him:
I saw the Lord ever before me,
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;
my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence. – Acts 2:23-28

This is the message of our faith, and the model that we are to follow. Our faith and hope is to be placed in God, and doing so, our words and actions will reflect the Way of God. The Way where our eyes are opened and our hearts burn with desire to be in the service of Love, wherever it leads.

On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples requested of Jesus, “Stay with us” (Lk 24:29).

In our striving, we must do the same, and like the disciples, we must also leave room for the breaking of bread and having hearts that are open to receive, with the love of Jesus, whatever may be revealed.

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall