Honesty

Which Way…

With the pitter patter of rain and dense mist earlier in the week, it became more and more challenging to see clearly. However, once the rain slowed, visibility improved ever so slightly. Then, as we continued, we exited an area that was overcome with fog. Once more our vision was restored more fully, until that is, we came across the next pocket of thick mist and its partnering wave of rain. Overall, in slowing down, the weather, although an obstacle, did not pull us off course or lead us astray. Remaining focused on the road, we found our way, and eventually, arrived safely.    

In the Gospel reading for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 19:1-10 below), we read that Zacchaeus was searching for Jesus, “but he could not see him because of the crowd.” The crowd, perhaps like waves of rain and dense like fog, was an obstacle, yet Zacchaeus remained focused on his desire “to see who Jesus was.” Allowing himself to be led by the longing of his heart, Zacchaeus does not get lost in the crowd or become discouraged. Nor does he push through the crowd or use whatever means he may have had as a wealthy tax collector. Rather, Zacchaeus seems to abandon any such notions and instead, he lets go of his status as he looks to overcome the limitations of his physical stature and climbs a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus.

Next, comes perhaps the most important part of this passage. What does Zacchaeus do in response to his encounter with Jesus? He owns his previous actions and changes his ways. He vows to repair any damage he has done and to adjust how he operates. He promises to extend not only his pocketbook, but also his heart to others, especially those in need. He does not deny the truth, but instead rightfully embraces it.

The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. – Psalm 145:18

Zacchaeus truly wanted to know who Jesus was and was willing to let go of all he had to find out. Not only that, but once he experienced Jesus for himself, he was also willing to let go of all he had known. In joining the way of Jesus, he was not going for something that would lead him to become less tolerant or accepting or disparage and drag him and others down. The changes Zacchaeus makes are ones aligned with honesty, integrity, respect, and dignity. These are all hallmarks of life-giving choices; ones that honor and praise the beauty of God and all God’s creation.

So, while the rain falls where it may, and the fog may seem endless as if extending well beyond the horizon, as for the Way, it remains clear as can be, if only one is open to it.        

At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.
Now a man there named Zacchaeus,
who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,
was seeking to see who Jesus was;
but he could not see him because of the crowd,
for he was short in stature.
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus,
who was about to pass that way.
When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said,
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly,
for today I must stay at your house.”
And he came down quickly and received him with joy.
When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying,
“He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.”
But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord,
“Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor,
and if I have extorted anything from anyone
I shall repay it four times over.”
And Jesus said to him,
“Today salvation has come to this house
because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.
For the Son of Man has come to seek
and to save what was lost.” – Luke 19:1-10

Yes, and…

Kahlil Gibran wrote, “The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious of the rose.” Looking at the circumstances occurring around the world today, one might wonder how on earth it is possible to not see thorns and weeds run amok. However, also happening around the world at the same time as all these daunting occurrences are ones that inspire and give cause to celebrate.

Perhaps within these days, too, there is opportunity to hold a broader view and to seek the hope that is awaiting in each moment, in each act of love, kindness, mercy, and compassion. But first, a pause. Maybe there is a letting go or taking up that needs some space to allow it to unfold. These kinds of times are also often great for working through unrest and moving closer, if not to the side of peace.

Imagine a rose without thorns. Is it perfect? Is it incomplete? Either way, honesty urges taking in the entire picture, whether of something familiar or something unknown. For that is when truth comes into view, and with it, a return to what is real. Yet, all along the way, Wisdom softly calls, although we may evolve, sometimes resist, or dig in, there is always something greater happening here. In fact, there is always something greater happening everywhere. Yes, and it is worthwhile to behold.

Lord, you have been our refuge through all generations. – Psalm 90:1

Considering All Things Under The Sun…

Bound south on a highway,
But still looking up,
Such a beautiful bridge,
Sleek and strong,
Yet even it can’t contain the sky.
From arc to bow and then its arch,
A towering touché, but still,
Not missing a pace,
It trusts and holds in place,
Still, it knows its place.

Continuing south, only now on a byway,
Only now, looking out,
Such a beautiful scene.
Ocean all around,
Deep and dark blue,
Carrying sparkles of light.
Then, a group of rocks
Hanging out in the seaweed
As it sways with each movement.
There’s a smaller one in the middle
On which three creatures steadily wait.
Still looking out and
Taking in a magnificent sight,
So peaceful and quiet,
Inside and out.
Next, I see them looking up.
Another touché, but still,
Not missing a pace,
They trust and hold in place,
Still, they know their place.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. – Mt 11:29

Leaning In…

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.

More than the Frame…

Walking along a path in a local town forest, I stop as I approach a swampy stretch and see a beautiful mix of colors on the land across the way. The trees and brush on either side in front of me seem to provide a frame. Depending on the angle, or perhaps the time of day, or maybe even, the mood drifting through the air, they are a welcome addition gradually drawing me in to the beauty just beyond. Or, are they a distraction… a tangled mess standing in the way?

It’s interesting the way that so much in life seems to do with frames. Thinking literally of frames, I recall the first time I had to pick a frame for a pair of eyeglasses. I was 12 at the time, and desperately not wanting to need eyeglasses. But the fact was that I did need them.

So, after an eye exam and trying on a number of frames, different styles, colors, and types, I came upon “the one.” It was unmistakable within seconds of placing them on my face. From there, the transition was smooth; I could see clearly. Since that time, I have gone through a number of frames, of different styles, colors, and types, throughout the years. And, in all that time, the single most important thing about my glasses has been, not the frame, but the lenses. Without them, everything is blurry.

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.”

– Matthew 22:34-40

Guesting…

Entering the wooded path to explore a new place, it seems easy to regard myself as a guest. As such, I am perhaps more mindful (or respectful), and probably more open to appreciating in some way, what lies before me. So often in nature, whether the outdoor or indoor (human kind), the tendency is to see or to remember with greater ease, the extremes. However, in actuality, the majority of what transpires is in between. And in those rare times, when it isn’t, still, nothing is lost, or without value, for the faithful guest who travels with an honest, open heart.

“If God created shadows it was to better emphasise the light.” ― Pope Saint John XXIII

When it comes down to it, although it may be preferred to be the host, across the board and back, the greater good is most often served in the moments of realizing, that we are indeed, the guest.

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. – Psalm 23

From “the greater good” search results of some fellow guests during my lifetime, Presidents 37 through 45…

Remember, always give your best. Never get discouraged. Never be petty. Always remember, others may hate you. But those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself. – Richard Nixon

I have always believed that most people are mostly good, most of the time. I have never mistaken moderation for weakness, nor civility for surrender. As far as I’m concerned, there are no enemies in politics – just temporary opponents who might vote with you on the next Roll Call. – Gerald Ford

We have a tendency to condemn people who are different from us, to define their sins as paramount and our own sinfulness as being insignificant. – Jimmy Carter

Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means. – Ronald Reagan                                       

I take as my guide the hope of a saint: In crucial things, unity; in important things, diversity; in all things, generosity. – George H.W. Bush

We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more. – Bill Clinton

Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power and it is to serve people. – George W. Bush

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort — a sustained effort — to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.  – Barack Obama

When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.’ – Donald Trump

“If God created shadows it was to better emphasise the light.” ― Pope Saint John XXIII

Blow the Horn…

I remember being instructed throughout childhood, “Do not be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help.” In addition, I also recall a teacher I had in elementary school who would often encourage students to ask any question they might have, saying, “The only stupid questions are the ones not asked.” She would then go on to explain that typically, for every student that asks a question, there is at least one other student, if not more, who whether or not they have the same question, somehow stand to benefit from hearing the answer.

Chapter 18, verse 23 of the Book of Genesis reads:

Then Abraham drew nearer (to the Lord) and said:
“Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? 

Knowing the Lord intends to address the depravity and numerous wrongs being committed in Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham (having in mind his nephew, Lot, who resides in Sodom) asks this question and then follows it up with a couple more.

Suppose there were fifty righteous people in the city; would you really sweep away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people within it?

Far be it from you to do such a thing, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike! Far be it from you! Should not the judge of all the world do what is just?” – Genesis 18:24-25

Despite being encouraged in my early years to ask away when questions would arise, Abraham’s questions to the Lord, and the manner in which he asks them, used to seem so bold, and almost out of line or disrespectful to me. Questions were to be asked, but not ones like these, and certainly not of God, or those ordained as chosen to serve God’s people.

Now older, such a notion seems so archaic to me as well as one of detriment. It is especially curious, given the fact that Scripture provides many examples of the faithful asking God similar types of questions, sometimes even telling God, “Here is what (or how) I need You to be in this situation.” Not only that, but God’s response is always one of compassion, love, and mercy, not one that is punitive or that takes offense.

The honesty with which Abraham, and others after him, communicate and relate
to God—their prayer—is answered.

Faithfulness begets faithfulness.

The Answer to Prayer – Luke 11:9-13

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?

Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?

If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Horn1

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.

Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called you answered me;
you built up strength within me.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me;
against the anger of my enemies you raise your hand.

Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.

Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. – Psalm 138:1-3,6-8

Legacy…

While oftentimes society can see “legacy” in terms of what meets the eye, and what can be measured, legacy is much deeper than that. William Shakespeare wrote, “No legacy is so rich as honesty,” in his play All’s Well That Ends Well (Act 3, Scene 5). Catherine of Siena wrote, “For people become like what they love,” in a portion of a letter (Letter T29) to Regina della Scala, a noblewoman. When fiction gives way to truth, and one scratches beyond the surface reaching the heart of the matter, therein lies what will be left behind and passed along, whether individually or collectively. What stands the test of time, whether for good or bad, is legacy.

Often a question or thought like, “What is this about?” or “There has to be something more than this,” leads one to pause and take notice. In spiritual direction, we strive to discern and live out choices that uncover and align with one’s deepest, God-given, desires. In the process, whether or not one is aware, the force within that often works to serve one’s own legacy becomes tamed, almost naturally. Over time, when one works consistently, in union with God, at being faithful and honest, persevering and following through, trusting the call to rise above and move beyond, though there may be moments of fear or shadows of doubt, the transformation occurs. When it does, legacy is turned toward serving that which is greater, the legacy that is God.

It does not stop there though. Perhaps that is the true beauty of legacy. In relationship with God, while the promise remains the same, we are called to be not only faithful, but also ever-growing and ever-changing. We are called to evolve. We are challenged to take stock of what is around us, and what is within us, as we go through life and each situation we encounter or interaction we have.

The lesser legacy (personal legacy) secretly seeks to keep us where we are spiritually. It seeks to keep one’s sight on the best way to reach one’s own personal goals and ultimately to serve oneself. While the legacy that is God always seeks the greater good. It reveals the way to move beyond and rise above that which would look to undermine, drive a wedge between us—or bring us down—individually or collectively.

Since the beginning of time, a divine desire for unity and wholeness has existed within and among all creation. Throughout time, many a soul has searched to discover, to become one with, and to live from that place of legacy. The contemplative, spiritual life is all about legacy. It is a shared legacy that calls us to remember, to see and to be the light. This is what truly makes us one with God and each other.

It can be good to ask oneself, from time to time, “How is legacy operating in my life?”

SunsetLakeMidday

SDIBlog

Throwing Stones…

Stones

“Let the one among you who is without sin,
be the first to throw a stone at her.” – John 8:7

In the world in which we live, the above Bible verse has come to mean, to many people, it is not Christ-like to criticize wrongdoing. Is that interpretation accurate though? Is that really how Christ lived and taught? Is it true?

It is interesting how the truth is often twisted and how, throughout history, the truth, and speakers of the truth, have often been frowned upon. In the Gospel passage of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Jesus, champion of truth, honesty and integrity, is put in a position where the authorities (the scribes and Pharisees) are looking for a reason to “take him down” so to speak. They see Jesus as a threat. If the truth becomes known…if their manipulation and ways of holding down and misleading the faithful become known, the faithful will no longer support them and their authority will fade away. This possibility makes them focus even more on trying to suppress or manipulate the truth. They are not open to anything other than efforts to hold onto their kingdom, no matter how that might affect the faithful.

While the scribes and Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus into going against Mosaic law, so that they can arrest him and eventually do away with him, Jesus turns the tables on them. Jesus knows that their motivation is self-serving; they are not concerned about the spiritual well-being of the woman they have brought before Jesus. They are using her, and Mosaic law, to try to get what they want. They are not pointing to the law for the purpose of which the law was made and certainly not for the well-being of the woman or the larger community.

So how does Jesus respond? He calls the scribes and Pharisees attention to the fact that they are not without sin; their hearts are not pure, and they slither away. The woman is left standing alone with Jesus.

While Jesus does not condemn the woman, he does hold her accountable and tells her not to sin any more.

Oftentimes, we can confuse holding someone accountable or to the truth as being judgmental. However, we need to be able to judge situations and, at times, we are called to speak the truth, even if that means it may be in conflict with another or requires holding another accountable.

In a scripture passage prior to the passage about the woman caught in adultery, Jesus says, “Whoever speaks on his own seeks his own glory, but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him is truthful, and there is no wrong in him. Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?” The crowd answered, “You are possessed! Who is trying to kill you?” Jesus answered and said to them, “I performed one work and all of you are amazed because of it. Moses gave you circumcision—not that it came from Moses but rather from the patriarchs—and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If a man can receive circumcision on a Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I made a whole person well on a Sabbath? Stop judging by appearances, but judge justly.” (John 7:18-24)

If we come back to the woman caught in adultery, we see that Jesus doesn’t condemn her to death, but he does make a judgment. He tells her to sin no more. He tells her to stop.

When we look at our own lives, like with everything else, we need to follow Jesus’ example. We shouldn’t throw stones, but we should judge justly. When we see people doing wrong, we are called to speak the truth and to stand up for what is just. That is a big part of carrying one’s own cross…of being Christian.

 

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area,
and all the people started coming to him,
and he sat down and taught them.
Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman
who had been caught in adultery
and made her stand in the middle.
They said to him,
“Teacher, this woman was caught
in the very act of committing adultery.
Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.
So what do you say?”
They said this to test him,
so that they could have some charge to bring against him.
Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.
But when they continued asking him,
he straightened up and said to them,
“Let the one among you who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.
And in response, they went away one by one,
beginning with the elders.
So he was left alone with the woman before him.
Then Jesus straightened up and said to her,
“Woman, where are they?
Has no one condemned you?”
She replied, “No one, sir.”
Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.
Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” – John 8:1-11

Between the Lines…

BetweenLines

During the winter months, some animals hibernate, some migrate, and others adapt. All animals, whether of the hibernating, migrating or adapting kind, need to prepare for the change of seasons. What remains constant year-round, though, is the need for energy. Even the hibernating animals need energy throughout their deep sleep.

On what is a very cold day, on which a deep sleep can be very tempting, as I catch up with news from throughout the week, I find myself pondering the things that are written (and spoken). From where do these things come? What is the source?

It is written… (Luke 4).

As I reflect on the happenings of the week, I wonder, “Written by whom?” and “For what purpose?” Not only that but, “What led to ‘it’ being written?” There are so many questions one could ask and so many possible ways of answering them, but at the end of the day, the most important questions seem to be, “Who is being served by the questions? Who is being served by the answers? How is that which is written being used?”

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan
and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days,
to be tempted by the devil.
He ate nothing during those days,
and when they were over he was hungry.
The devil said to him,
“If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
Jesus answered him,
“It is written, One does not live on bread alone.”
Then he took him up and showed him
all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant.
The devil said to him,
“I shall give to you all this power and glory;
for it has been handed over to me,
and I may give it to whomever I wish.
All this will be yours, if you worship me.”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God,
and him alone shall you serve.”
Then he led him to Jerusalem,
made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God,
throw yourself down from here, for it is written:
He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,
and:
With their hands they will support you,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“It also says,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
When the devil had finished every temptation,
he departed from him for a time. – Luke 4:1-13