Integrity

All We Have—More Than Enough…

In the Gospel passage for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Luke 9:11b-17), it is written that as the end of the day is drawing near, Jesus’s disciples go to him with their plan on how to proceed with regards to the crowds who have followed Jesus and his disciples to Bethsaida, a town near the Sea of Galilee, and have witnessed Jesus’s preaching and healing. The disciples say, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” However, Jesus seems to have other ideas. He responds, “Give them some food yourselves.”

Take a moment to consider how you might receive Jesus’s words in this situation. How might your response vary based on whether you are in a deserted place? What’s it like to consider yourself as part of the solution, no matter where you are?

Next, the disciples focus on what they might do, but recognize it’s not possible for them to do much with what they have:

“Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people.”

Think of a situation where you feel that all you have is not enough to address it. Now, envision Jesus coming into the situation and inviting you to tell him more about it. Start with the words, “All I have is …” Notice what you include (things, people, thoughts, feelings, etc.).

What happens within you as you name what you bring to the situation? How does Jesus receive you and respond?

Now imagine Jesus instructing his disciples, and you, “Have them sit down in groups…”. Then Jesus, with abundant love and patience, turns to you, and tells you more. Pray and converse with Jesus about what this might mean for you and your situation. Share any, and all, thoughts and feelings that arise within you.

In the Gospel passage, after the disciples listened to Jesus and did as he asked, it is written:

“Then taking the five loaves and the two fish,
and looking up to heaven,
he said the blessing over them, broke them,
and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.
They all ate and were satisfied.
And when the leftover fragments were picked up,
they filled twelve wicker baskets.”

What’s it like to contemplate the fact that with Jesus, all you have is enough, and can even be more than enough?

Take time today, and throughout the week, to set down whatever is on your plate or is occupying your mind. Then pause and invite Jesus to say the blessing over you and your concerns. Next, allow the peace and wisdom of Jesus, the Bread of Life, to wash over you, and reveal how what you have can meet this moment and the moments ahead, and be more than enough.

I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord;
whoever eats this bread will live forever. – John 6:51

In the Flow…

At times it can be very tempting to want to come to an understanding and then to make that understanding into something, or to hold it, as fixed or set in stone. Yet, time and again, Scripture repeatedly points to change. In Isaiah 43, it is written:

“See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? In the wilderness I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers.” (v. 19).

In other words, in places where the human tendency is to see something as set or stagnant, or to write it off, in, through and with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, there is movement and possibility in everything, even that which appears to be static. In fact, the only true constant, as faith teaches, is the unwavering presence of the Holy Trinity.

Take a few moments to consider this further. Notice what comes to mind, and to what your heart is drawn as you contemplate this notion, and your personal experience.

In the Gospel passage for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity it is written:

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you.” – John 16:12-15

Notice that Jesus uses the present tense when he says the Spirit of truth “will speak what he hears.” Jesus did not say, “will speak what he has heard.” What do you make of that?

Coming back to the notion of the Holy Trinity embracing and aiding movement and possibility, in what ways are you open to hearing more as you go about each day? In what areas might you be thoroughly convinced that there is no need to hear more, or to hear differently? How much room is being left for the Holy Spirit?

How does your level or sense of hope come into play and in whom or what is it placed? What is your overall stance, and how is the glory of God being honored or manifested in or through it?

Invite Jesus into conversation. Share with him what you’re noticing. Tell him about what it’s like for you when presented with something new or more, whether it relates to something you have already heard about, or something entirely different or novel. Allow Jesus to hear you out. Then ask Jesus for the grace to hear him out, and to be open to what he wants to reveal to you.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Sunrise at sea

Eastertide…

Eastertide through days and nights,
forty… fifty… ever more.
It is truly right and just,
here, above, and all around.
Presence of mind, truthful heart;
the soul of goodness triumphs.

Genuine faith, obeying,
not tyrant, nor king—Savior.
Wanting good for goodness sake,
bearing with things, not grasping,
nor pulling apart, as if
at odds, and fighting within.

In a boat fishing around,
who’s there? What sides are you on?
Is it right, or something else?
Casting nets, or casting stones?
From where does your wisdom come?
What sentiments control you?

Sunrise at sea

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

Jesus said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time,
“Do you love me?” and he said to him,
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. – John 21:15-17

Cross inside a heart, creating bursts of light.

An Even Greater Love…

Working my way around,
whether by chance or fate,
again, once more, I hear,
reverberations of,
not stern warnings, but of
wise voices of the past.

Just as justice for one,
affects justice for all,
mercy and compassion
make the way to goodwill;
offspring of love, made by,
an even greater Love.

Cross inside a heart, creating bursts of light.

“From my point of view, God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us.” – Pope Francis

Easter Hope and Joy

Not for One, but for the Many…

“Christ is risen from the dead, and by His death He has trampled upon death,
and has given live to those, who are in the tombs.” – the Troparion of Pascha

Taking it on the level,
as only You, Lord, can do.
Giving what humanity,
can only aspire to grasp.

Falling down, then getting up,
pushed time upon time again.
Light of Life into darkness,
You brought life—heart, mind, and soul.

Impostors come, and they go,
but Your Spirit, Lord, remains.
Waiting our reception, Lord,
not for one, but for the many.

Easter Hope and Joy

Heart with Love is patient, Love is Kind scripture verse.

On the Plain…

Blessed are we, created in the image of the Lord,
Who comes down from the mountain,
To stand with us on level ground.
Bestower of grace on all,
Willing spirits will receive Him.
Words of Wisdom and Hope He speaks,
Bringing Light and Life to the soul.

Care for the poor,
Feed the hungry,
Comfort those in need.
Way of ways, it is not easy.

Hold fast to only One—the Lord.
Falling not for hollow banter,
Careful of the ruse; it’s not True.
Look not to glorify others,
Rather, seek Wisdom from the Source.
Big and bold isn’t always best, and
Stay awake is what the Lord commanded.

Heart with Love is patient, Love is Kind scripture verse.

A Time to Reflect…

The Gospel acclamation for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time is, “If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is brought to perfection in us.” (1 John 4:12). Take some time to consider this verse.

What are the things that you heard and saw this past week that caught your attention? What values, notions, and ideas did they express?

It can be tempting to rush toward opinions and judgments based on listening to and watching what others are doing, what they have to say about situations, and about what’s happening in society and throughout the world. Not only that, but also to not really take time to honestly consider, reflect on, and discern the values being represented.

It can also be easy to be drawn in by a thing or two that may seem of the utmost importance, only to be swept up and moved along without recognizing movement away from values, expressed notions, and ideas that truly align with and promote the sentiments of Love.

In the coming days try to notice the words and actions to which not only your ears and eyes are exposed or drawn, but also your heart. What is stirred inside of you? and how are these things a reflection of Love?

Continuing to take these things to prayer, seek to see them as God sees them.

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

From where…

From where chaos comes,
Base passion and design,
Stirring ill will, division,
Seeds sowing lies.
Looking, always looking,
To seep and settle in.

From where chaos spreads,
Human passions and designs,
From what we, as masters, embrace,
What we give into,
And what we withstand.

From where peace comes,
Divine passion and design.
Love weaving in and out,
Through time and space.
Ushering good tidings,
Encouraging good will.

From where peace spreads,
Human passions and designs,
From what we, as servants, embrace,
What we give into,
And what we withstand.

“Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things,
man will not himself find peace.” – Albert Schweitzer

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there is disorder and every foul practice.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,
then peaceable, gentle, compliant,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without inconstancy or insincerity.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
for those who cultivate peace. – James 3:16-18

The Sun Rising

Relating to and thru One…

The readings for the Third Sunday of Lent can be seen as a call to pay attention to the nature of relationships and what they lead or point to. In the First Reading (Exodus 20:1-17), God delivers the commandments, which are seemingly clear instructions, and by adhering to them, the people will prosper. Notice how God’s mercy far outweighs any punishment.

For I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their ancestors’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation; but showing love down to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. (Ex 20:5-6)

Also, notice that punishment is reserved for “those who hate me,” and their children. Hate is a pretty strong word and one can imagine some sort of pattern or learned behavior to reach that point or designation. In that light, perhaps this passage can be viewed as a Lenten invitation to be mindful of one’s actions, the sentiments from which they come, and what they might teach.

Looking at the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 19:8-11), the response is “Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.” (Jn 6:68c). Again, drawing us to God’s words as priceless and wrapping up by trying to convey just how valuable they are: They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. (Ps 19:11).

As for verses 8-10 of the Psalm, the first part of each line refers to the Lord’s “rules”—laws, decrees, precepts, commands, reverence, and ordinances. The second part of each phrase or sentence provides guidance by giving indicators that one can use to try to determine if they are obeying and honoring the Lord. How? By evaluating the situation and answering the question: Do I experience or have a sense of a refreshed soul/peace, wisdom, a rejoicing heart, enlightenment, endurance/inner strength, truth, or justice?

The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul;
The decree of the Lord is trustworthy,
    giving wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the command of the Lord is clear,
    enlightening the eye.

The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true,
    all of them just.

In the Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:22-25), St. Paul is encouraging the Corinthians, and us, to be careful about the way we go about seeking signs and wisdom. God certainly uses people, situations, and things to accomplish tasks and impart wisdom, however, as St. Paul says, “we proclaim Christ crucified.”  That means, there is no substituting human thoughts, ideas, goals, etc. for God’s will and wisdom as the source or root that one allows to resonate with and guide their soul. Ultimately, things come down to what happens between each person and God, and one is not to blindly follow others thus giving what belongs to or originates with God (one’s soul and will) to another human being and/or their agenda.

In what ways do you take each situation to prayer with an openness to the fact that what is right and just in one situation may not be right and just or the best way in another situation? What’s it like to consider that the “rules” and their application are shaped by God’s love and mercy, and that this is by God’s design? In what ways do you leave room for love and mercy in situations and decisions?

Turning to the Gospel passage referred to as the Cleansing of the Temple (John 2:13-25), we can see Jesus’ disavowal of the perversion of the Temple and the rules and practices around and within it. The focus has become all about transactions and status. Jesus drives everyone out, saying to those profiting at the expense of the poor—those selling doves, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” (Jn 2:16). In the verses that follow, Jesus refers to his body as the temple and foreshadows his crucifixion and resurrection. The passage ends with:

But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all,
and did not need anyone to testify about human nature.
He himself understood it well. (Jn 2:24-25)

Envision Jesus, who is the source of salvation and redemption, entering the temple area of your life—your heart. Imagine yourself receiving the peace, inner strength, and wisdom of Jesus as you sit together. What would you share? And, what would He who understands human nature well, impart to you in terms of what to drive out and what to keep?

The Village of Comfort…

The Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time follows Jesus and the first disciples (Simon, Andrew, James and John called away from mending their fishing nets) as they enter into Capernaum, the place whose name means “village of comfort”. In this passage from the Gospel According to Mark (chapter 1, verses 21-28), Jesus’ way of being and his teaching capture the attention of the people. What he offers is new and different and comes with signs, as Jesus and the disciples enter a synagogue where he teaches with authenticity and frees a man who is under the hold of an unclean spirit.

Then they came to Capernaum,
and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
Jesus rebuked him and said,
“Quiet! Come out of him!”
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.
All were amazed and asked one another,
“What is this?
A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee. – Mk 1:21-28   

It’s interesting to consider this passage in terms of human nature. Presumably the people in Capernaum (village of comfort), know one another. What do you imagine it was like when Jesus and his disciples, strangers, entered their space in general, but more specifically, their sacred space—the synagogue? How do you respond when someone new or unknown enters your space? What kinds of things determine your response?

Returning to the Gospel, in this passage one can infer that the people in the synagogue were drawn to Jesus and his message because despite being in the village of comfort, beyond the surface, their real needs were not being met.

“The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.” 

What Jesus was saying, as he taught, spoke to the people of Capernaum. His words and his way touch their hearts, and they recognize him as being authentic. Reflecting on this past week, what kinds of words and things, and who, has touched your heart? What tends to strike a chord with you?

Coming back to the Gospel and the synagogue, next there is a man with an unclean spirit. Notice how the man and the spirit influencing him are intertwined. The man cries out, but the pronoun is “us”.

“he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?”

Yet, drawn into the presence of Jesus, the two become distinguishable. And, of everyone who is present (outside of the disciples), it is only the unclean spirit who recognizes and names what’s really happening. The unclean spirit knows who Jesus is, and perhaps, senses its doom.

I know who you are—the Holy One of God!     

In what ways do you invite Jesus to help you discern and recognize situations where good and evil may have become intertwined?

Jesus expels the unclean spirit, setting the man free. The people are in awe and try to make sense of what they have witnessed. Word of Jesus spreads as they recognize Jesus’ way as being both new and powerful, or authoritative. Are they caught up in Jesus’ way, in the way the unclean spirit obeyed him, in Jesus being the Holy One of God?… What is it that is moving them and leads to Jesus becoming famous? What are they celebrating?

Revisit the things that tend to strike a chord with you and ask Jesus to reveal the places of comfort that may be creating a cloud of disguise and interfering with what is best. Express your desire to be led by the Light of God. Ask Jesus to help you to know what is influencing you.   

The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light; on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen. – Matthew 4:16