Many years ago, before GPS, I was on my way to a meeting, when I encountered road construction and a detour from the route I was supposed to take. Following the detour signs, I began an unexpected adventure through long and winding back roads, farmland, and forestry. However, along the way, I lost my way.
Suddenly there were no signs, and I was in utterly unfamiliar territory. Initially, it was as if my surroundings were closing in on me and I was shrinking in comparison. I started to feel anxious and stressed about being late or potentially missing the meeting. Then, slowing down, I stopped and began to take more notice. Surveying the landscape and elements in the sky more intently, I was able to find new signs and my bearings were restored, leading me more peacefully to the place I needed to be. I ended up being a little late, but it was okay; as always “better late than never.”
In current day times, it can seem as if society is in a construction zone that is in disarray. So many detours, roads without signs, confusion, violence, and chaos swirling all around. Yet, among it all, continuing to seek, searching within, and then looking back out, there are always signs pointing to the promise and hope of a better way.
The readings for the First Sunday of Advent (Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:1b,4-5,8-9,10,14; 1 Thes 3:12-4:2, Lk 21:25-28,34-36) are a call to remember the promise, open oneself to God, to pay attention, and place hope in God as the way to restoration and redemption. Take time to reflect on what promise and hope in God means to you.
Who is this God?
How and where is God welcomed into the landscape of your life?
What do you desire as you look to journey with God this Advent? What might God desire for you?
Show us, Lord, your mercy; grant us your salvation. – Psalm 85:8
Jesus tells his disciples, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near” (Mark 13:28). Yet, just two chapters earlier, Jesus cursed a fig tree causing it to wither:
“Seeing from a distance a fig tree, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, ‘May no one ever eat of your fruit again!’ And his disciples heard it. … Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘Have faith in God.’” (Mark 11:13-14, 20-22).
Looking at these two passages and particularly at the fig tree, it may seem like Jesus is contradicting himself. However, looking at the whole picture, notice how Jesus shifts the focus from the tangible fig tree to looking beyond it and pointing to faith.
Maybe the real lesson that Jesus wants us to learn is that there are no hard and fast rules other than loving God, yourself, and your neighbor, and that this occurs best when we are not so entrenched in one way or another. That is, when we are able to be present to the moment, openminded, and willing to be guided by God, even when the direction in which we might feel compelled may not make sense in the world’s eyes and may not be fully understood by ourselves or others.
Perhaps the season is neither here nor there, but never-ending, the invitation ever-present, and more than anything, the task always at hand, is to focus on Jesus and ask for the grace to be “tender and sprout leaves.”
Jesus said to his disciples: “In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
“And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.
“Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Mark 13:24-32
Henri Nouwen wrote, “Self-knowledge and self-love are the fruit of knowing and loving God. You can see better then what is intended by the great commandment to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.” Laying our hearts totally open to God leads to a love of ourselves that enables us to give wholehearted love to our fellow human beings. In the seclusion of our hearts we learn to know the hidden presence of God; and with that spiritual knowledge we can lead a loving life.”
In other words, authentic love starts within, builds and grows through self-discovery and conscious connection to God. It is by this process that hearts are moved toward love in the way they exist and what they exude to the outside world.
In chapter 12 of the Gospel according to Mark, we see an example of interactions similar to those that are so prevalent these days. It is very clear that there are two sides with two very different objectives. What’s going on in the hearts and minds of each side? What’s the priority?
The chapter starts with Jesus telling the Parable of the Tenants—tenant farmers who refuse to pay the owner of the vineyard and beat and/or kill the people sent to collect the owner’s due. They even kill the vineyard owner’s son—they do not recognize him. Knowing that Jesus is calling them out in the telling of this parable, the Pharisees, scribes, and elders want to arrest him.
What makes them so quick to become so defensive? Did they stop to look inside and invite God into the process before labeling Jesus as the enemy and beginning to determine a course of action? What makes them so offended by Jesus’ words and actions?
As the chapter continues, Pharisees and Herodians, and then Sadducees are sent to question Jesus about taxes (should they pay Caesar or not? – verses 13-17) and about resurrection (how is the law of marriage applied for the widower of seven brothers and with no descendants? – verses 18-27). And Jesus’ nature continues to shine through as he continues to speak truth, conveying and citing the Word of God in his replies. He does not get rattled or fall for the attempts to manipulate him.
“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (verse 17).
“When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, [the] God of Isaac, and [the] God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled” (verses 25-27).
Despite knowing, not speculating, but actually knowing what they are trying to do, Jesus does not become defensive or aggressive, or try to avoid them and their questions—he has nothing to hide. He simply answers the questions truthfully, shedding light and putting focus on the real issue—the motives behind behavior. This leads to the question always worth asking, “In all honesty, who or what is being served, and how?” In this case, and in any day and age, lack of integrity and inability to recognize, and live in, truth is not of service to God, or anyone for that matter.
This brings us to the verses of chapter 12 referred to as “The Greatest Commandment”:
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions. – Mark 12:28-34
Loving God with all of one’s being followed by loving one’s neighbor as oneself is to be the object of one’s striving day in and day out. As any human being can attest, this can be challenging and sometimes a downright struggle, and when left to our own devices it’s impossible. However, when we look at chapter 12 of the Gospel according to Mark, we can see in Jesus’ example of facing adversity with peace, honesty, and integrity, how a close relationship with God broadens the horizon, opening hearts and minds to the true meaning of Scripture, influencing speech and action, and revealing truth to all who are willing to embrace and engage in it over everything else (ambitions, possessions, self-interest, etc.).
With Jesus, the invitation is always open, and it doesn’t matter what you bring to the table, so much as a desire for what is true, what you are willing to let go of in order to learn, and the spirit with which you carry it out into the world.
On a breezy autumn day, the sun shimmers across the water and the clouds steadily make their way from one side of the sky to the other. The trees, they stand their ground, their leaves have yet to fall. I guess it’s not their time.
Yet, ripples on the pond and clouds up in the sky, both quietly passing by. Always in time. Always in time.
The wind, it moves the clouds and water all around, and yes, even those leaves clinging to trees. Always in time. Always in time.
Some willing more than others. Taking direction, or making a stand. Always in time. Always in time.
Likewise, the Spirit in its stirring, its moving of hearts and souls, here and there along the way. Always in time. Always in time.
Always in Time… May your mercy, Lord, be upon us; as we put our hope in you. – Psalm 33:22
In the First Letter of John, chapter 4, verse 12, it is written:
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
While it may be true that no one has ever seen God, Love and the goodness of God can be experienced daily, in any number of ways and through an unlimited number of people, places, and things. Think about a situation that recently brought peace, joy, laughter, gratitude, etc. into your heart. In what direction did you feel motivated as a result?
Think about who and what you love, in both the past and now. In what ways do you feel inspired as you reflect on this?
Tomorrow, October 4, is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. He was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone and is perhaps most widely known for the Prayer of Saint Francis (and inspirational song) – “Make me a channel of your peace/Where there is hatred, let me bring your love…” as well as for being a lover of animals and the inspiration behind the practice of the blessing of animals.
Being born into a wealthy family, St. Francis’ life began in financial and material security. However, rather than a life focused on increasing or holding onto the guarantees that would come with money (status, power, and influence), he chose a journey far more challenging, but one that would lead toward the riches and rewards of a spiritual life—peace.
St. Francis wrote, “It was easy to love God in all that was beautiful. The lessons of deeper knowledge, though, instructed me to embrace God in all things.”
As you imagine embracing God (Love) in all things, what situations come to mind? Where are the places that are easy to carry and exude the love of God that resides within you? Where are the places that present a challenge, causing the light of God within you to diminish, and love to be held back or rebuked?
In the Gospel according to Mark, it is written:
And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them. – Mark 10:13-16
Jesus’s example is one of embracing the moment, and all that it holds, with love despite the responses, reactions, or expectations of his disciples and others. With Jesus, everyone is invited… there is room in his heart for everyone.
Now imagine the situations that are easy for you to embrace with love and those that are not, as both belonging to the kingdom of God. What is that like?
Continuing to reflect on these situations, what is most important to you, and how or where does that fit in with your faith as you strive to live by it? Share your thoughts and feelings on this with Jesus. What invitation might Jesus be extending to you?
Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self. – St. Francis of Assisi
At first it may seem that Eldad and Medad are just the names of two of the elders mentioned in chapter 11, verses 25-29 of the Book of Numbers. However, while it may be tempting to readily move past them and keep reading on the way to the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, it’s worth pausing to consider this scene some more.
While all the other elders are gathered at the tent to receive the spirit of the Lord and begin to prophesy, Eldad and Medad are back at the camp. Despite not being at the “right place, at the right time,” at least not physically, they are still included by God, the Spirit is bestowed upon them, and they begin to prophesy.
This is key. Eldad and Medad receive the spirit and prophesy right where they are, giving testimony to the fact that the grace of God is not limited and that there is more than one way, more than one place, to be gathered before the Lord. Reflect on this truth: regardless of where we are, all of us are always within reach of God’s grace. What’s significant… what matters most, is whether we are open to receiving the grace of God, however it is presented.
Continuing to look more closely at this passage, Eldad, whose name means “Love of God”, and Medad, whose name means “Love,” have been called. Their names are known to God. All that is required of them, and us, is not to meet the expectations of others, or to hurry up over to the meeting place to join their fellow elders, but rather, to simply be where they are and be willing to be whom they were created to be. That is, to not only embrace their gifts with an open heart and mind, but also to allow themselves to be inspired by the Spirit of the Lord as to how to use and share them.
Eldad and Medad numbered among many. It’s not only interesting, but also a simple imperative by which to live—Love of God, Love.
The Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. Taking some of the spirit that was on Moses, the Lord bestowed it on the seventy elders; and as the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied.
Now two men, one named Eldad and the other Medad, were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp. They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent; yet the spirit came to rest on them also, and they prophesied in the camp. So, when a young man quickly told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp, “ Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses’ aide, said, “Moses, my lord, stop them.” But Moses answered him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!” – Numbers 11:25-29
With the vast array of devastation caused by wildfires on the left side of the United States and hurricane Ida and resulting treacherous weather throughout the right side of the United States, not to mention ongoing multi-faceted struggles around the entire world, it can be easy to fall prey to a sense of doom, regardless of whether one is experiencing dire need, a direct impact, on the fringes of such impact, or farther removed.
On what is a dreary day, on the feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta, it is good to remember that despite the darkness, God is with us amid all these trials and tribulations. Leading the way, before one might even know it. Providing light and love. Lifting spirits, opening minds, increasing the will to help, and strengthening the bond of human hearts toward one another.
Say to the fearful of heart: Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you.
– Isaiah 35:4
“There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.”
I remember as a young student feeling fascinated as I learned all about the human heart, its functions and their importance. I was most amazed by the strength of the heart and its capacity, pumping 2,000 gallons of blood each day throughout the body. It wouldn’t be until years later that my amazement would become even greater in coming to understand the heart’s greatest asset—the rhythm, steady and strong, seeking to draw one closer, revealing God, and yearning not only to keep the connection of love, peace, and healing going, but also to help it to thrive without bounds. As the 13th century Persian poet, Rumi, wrote, “Love is the bridge between you and everything.”
In chapter 7 of the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus says to the Pharisees,
“Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:
This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines human precepts.
You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” (Mk 7:6-8)
Jesus is calling on them to be honest… to look more closely and to see that their hearts are not leading them in union with God. Their love has become misplaced. It is self-serving and focused on what is earthly rather than what is truly, right and just. Their words and actions do not come together to reflect the beauty of God’s goodness—the law that is placed in every heart—dignity, care, and love of all who are placed alongside us whether in location, heart, or mind.
This same love is what the author of the Letter of James is calling people to when he writes,
“Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath,
for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.
Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.
Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” – Jas 1:19-22
No matter where one might be, or the circumstances that exist, Love is the only true hope there is. And while there may be many things that seem beyond reach, or out of control, Love is the anchor that holds us altogether, moves us into action, and brings peace, or peace of mind, strength, truth and justice, never growing cold.
In the last chapter of the Book of Joshua (Jos 24), Joshua, who succeeded Moses, is nearing death when he gathers the tribes of Israel and speaks the words of the Lord. First, the Lord helps the people to remember the truth of their journey together and God’s presence throughout. Then, the ageless choice, just as poignant today as back in Joshua’s times and prior, is offered: “…choose today whom you will serve…” (Jos 24:15).
Oftentimes the way of society tends toward reaching heights higher than, obtaining more than, and being waited upon or served as if elevated in position. And in that striving and the push to achieve, there are all sorts of temptations moving in and out, and throughout, trying to slide into place without notice, shifting motivation away from what might truly be good. Then, there is also the voice of reason—Truth, seeking balance, calling for heart and soul to live and breathe in all that drives the choices being made, actions being taken, and the spirit in which they are carried out.
So how does one proceed with so many competing interests? More simply, slowing down with prayerful moments that lead to the choosing in each, and every, day.
This past Wednesday was the feast day of Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga, S.J. He was born in 1901 and lived in Chile, becoming a Jesuit priest who served the poor and worked for social justice until his death in 1952. The following prayer is his prayer. It seeks integrity, hope, and faith in God and reminds one of Truth—all things are possible with God.
Prayer of St. Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga, S.J.
Lord, help me to speak the truth in front of the strong and not say lies to gain the applause of the weak.
If you give me fortune, don’t take happiness away from me. If you give me strength, don’t take reason away from me. If you give me success, don’t take humility away from me. If you give me humility, don’t take dignity away from me.
Help me always see the other side of the medal. Do not let me blame others of treason for not thinking like me. Teach me to love people as myself and to judge myself as others.
Do not let me fall into pride if I triumph nor in despair if I fail. Rather, remind me that failure is the experience which precedes triumph.
Teach me that forgiving is the grandest for the strong and that revenge is the primitive sign of the weak.
If you take away my fortune, leave me with hope. If you take away success, leave me with the strength to triumph from the defeat.
If I fail people, give me the courage to ask pardon. If the people fail me, give me the courage to forgive. Lord, if I forget You, don’t forget me.
Pulling into an open lot along a scenic road, initially it seemed as though there was no place from which to view the water. Bushes and trees were all around, as if a fortress blocking the way to the water gently waving behind it. However, stepping out into the fresh air, with each movement closer, possibilities arose, until at last, nearer still and despite any preconceived notions, a path, narrow as could be, but still present, a way through appeared.
Oftentimes, there is much more than one might see or think there to be, yet it can be tempting to refrain from asking, disregard the invitation, and instead turn back, embrace presumptions from afar, and choose a side, rather than trusting that call, choosing to discover (ask and receive), allowing paths to appear and Truth to become known.
In the passage below, what resonates most with you at this moment? Which person(s) do you identify with and in what ways? How do you desire to be, and to live? Where is God in that desire?
The whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, “Would that we had died at the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread! But you had to lead us into this desert to make the whole community die of famine!”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will now rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not.
On the sixth day, however, when they prepare what they bring in, let it be twice as much as they gather on the other days. So Moses and Aaron told all the Israelites, “At evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt; and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, when he hears your grumbling against him. But who are we that you should grumble against us?”
And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and in the morning your fill of bread, and hears the grumbling you utter against him, who then are we? Your grumbling is not against us, but against the Lord.”
Then Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the whole Israelite community: Approach the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.” But while Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they turned in the direction of the wilderness, and there the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud!
The Lord said to Moses: “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them: In the evening twilight you shall eat flesh, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread, so that you may know that I, the Lord, am your God.”
In the evening quail came up and covered the camp. In the morning a dew lay all about the camp, and when the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the desert were fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground. On seeing it, the Israelites asked one another, “What is this?” for they did not know what it was. But Moses told them, “This is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.” – Exodus 16:2-15
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