Journey

Be the Church…

A lamp to my feet is your word, a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

Venturing out on a beautiful day, I came across a banner with writing and a broad spectrum of colors in the background. Initially it was the array of color, against a mostly white backdrop, that caught my eye. However, upon further examination, what seemed to be horizontal bands of color, now appeared to be pieces of wood, shaped and stacked as if they were part of a log cabin.

The colors were beautiful, but underneath them, each piece…each log still showed signs of the grain that is part, and parcel, of wood. This background image, along with the words written across some of the logs, gave it character and made it compelling. Perhaps the most thought provoking part of the banner was the first line of words, “BE THE CHURCH.” I cannot help but wonder, what church? Is there a church that offers the experience of the words that followed (protect the environment …fight for the powerless …embrace diversity, etc.)?

“BE THE CHURCH.” Next I think, who? Who is to be the church? Is it the priests or ministers and staff, or the people who attend? Is it a combination? Is it for all to partake in?

Then, a childhood rhyme, one accompanied by hand and finger movement, comes to me. “Here is the church. / Here is the steeple. / Open the door, and see all the people.” It used to seem true. Only, I had just been to church and I did not see “all” the people.

“BE THE CHURCH.” Upon further reflection, I am sure many people already are the church, even if they are not “in” the church. In fact, I know many who take being the church to heart and strive to do so in their daily lives. Perhaps those who have left the building, do not enter because it lacks the character, diversity and integrity… because it is no longer (or maybe it never was) a place where they can truly “BE THE CHURCH.” Perhaps it is because so often, those who “run” the church forget about the people, and more importantly, lose sight of the purpose. Then again, that would be the people.

“BE THE CHURCH.” Be who God created you to be, and wherever you are, be faithful to God.

To truly serve and honor God is to serve and honor God’s people and all creation. We must remember that God’s people are ALL people.

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All is Grace…

There is so much that goes on in the world and in each of our lives that sometimes it can be hard to sift through it all. Situations, people and things can become lumped together, making it difficult to see clearly or to have a good sense of what is authentic, and what is not. Without that, finding a grain(s) of value in the midst of it all, is nearly impossible.

More often than not though, and yes, even in a dense fog or in the darkness of night, there is something to be gained. Like a lost gem waiting to be discovered, there is often wisdom to be found in all things, even in what might seem like drama or nonsense.

Oftentimes, it can be very appealing, and perhaps all too easy to walk away or quickly discount that which one does not understand. However, what seems more important is doing so for reasons that are true and pure.

How does one know when to walk away?

Seek Wisdom (Sophia) first, and she will lead the way. Wisdom tells me that wherever I am at any particular moment, that is the place and time that God has anointed for me to be there. It is a place for me to encounter, as well as to be, the face of Grace. Each moment and each situation in my life, in each of our lives, has something sacred in store for us. It is as if we are constantly on the brink of greatness; a greatness that extends beyond this world.

Desire therefore my words;
long for them and you will be instructed.

Resplendent and unfading is Wisdom,
and she is readily perceived by those who love her,
and found by those who seek her.

She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her;
one who watches for her at dawn will not be disappointed,
for she will be found sitting at the gate.

For setting your heart on her is the perfection of prudence,
and whoever keeps vigil for her is quickly free from care;
Because she makes her rounds, seeking those worthy of her,
and graciously appears to them on the way,
and goes to meet them with full attention.

For the first step toward Wisdom is an earnest desire for discipline;
then, care for discipline is love of her;
love means the keeping of her laws;
To observe her laws is the basis for incorruptibility;
and incorruptibility makes one close to God;
thus the desire for Wisdom leads to a kingdom.  (Wisdom 6:11-20)

By the grace of God, we are where we are meant to be, at this particular point in time. Through Wisdom, we can see, everything is Grace.

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In word: “Everything is a grace because everything is God’s gift. Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events—to the heart that loves, all is well.” – St. Therese of Lisieux.

In song: “Everything Is Grace” by Matt Maher.

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?”

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The Apple and the Light…

It is unfortunate how the air can be sucked out of a room or a dark shadow can be cast upon it, by the words and actions, or even just the presence of one person. Not only that, but it can also be very uncomfortable, and have a lingering effect, even after that person leaves the room.

Why does one bad apple have to spoil the bunch (or “the barrel” as the saying goes)?

What is it that causes us, at times, to become paralyzed, dragged down, divided, or driven away when faced with a bad apple? What is it that can cause the rest of the apples to turn to mush instead of continuing to hold true to form? What if, beyond the surface, the bad apple is not really bad at all, but rather hanging from a limb, and by a thread?

Through the eyes of faith, there is the assurance that the Light of God far outshines any darkness that might come our way. Through faith we also believe, that the mercy and compassion of God extends to all creation. What then creates an atmosphere that leads to the Spirit within being quieted or perhaps even smothered in the face of darkness?

There is a force, at every corner, that seeks to take us away from the Truth, most especially in the midst of darkness. It seeks to create confusion and gradually, or perhaps swiftly, tries to shift our focus, and convince us that we are less than what we really are. Oftentimes, when this happens, we become paralyzed, dragged down, divided, or driven away. That suppression of the Spirit, or Light, contributes to an atmosphere that fosters darkness.

Jesus says, “Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:9-10). The thief is like the bad apple, looking to steal, slaughter and destroy what he does not have or what he has lost himself; that is the ability to reflect the Light.

This is why we are called not only to meditate on and to let the Light shine brightly, no matter the circumstances, but also to pray for those who persecute us.

 

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Emmaus in Our Midst…

A number of years ago, I recall watching a news segment where an oncologist was talking about viruses, and how throughout our lives we all have viruses that appear and then disappear. The doctor went on to say that, at times, these viruses can create cancer cells, that sometimes our bodies get rid of them, and sometimes the cells remain. Of those ones, they may one day become active, they may just stay unchanged, causing no noticeable difference or harm, or they may disappear.

These days, cancer seems rampant, not only as a health issue, but also in organizations and communities. How do we stop it? Perhaps, sometimes, we cannot. Surely, though, we cannot give up.

As I think about all the people, I know or have known who have battled cancer, more than anything the spirit with which they faced their illness comes to mind. Whether or not they survived cancer, I have no doubt that they overcame it.

While there are many cancers in the world, often eating away at and perhaps breaking us down, oftentimes in the darkness and confusion that is brought about, simply, yet beautifully comfort, peace, and strength are waiting to shine through. We must remember that we are in God’s hands. Truly, there is nothing to fear…nothing to lose. All that is, or was, will be filled with something more…something better…something greater. All that is really left, and all that really matters, is to be faithful and to believe.

Each time we allow our spirits to be lifted up and sustained by God, like Jesus, we rise. We move above, and beyond, that which would seek to destroy us.

Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), we need to recount, remember, take comfort in God’s presence, invite the Lord to walk with us… to be with us and in us. We must rejoice and, always, keep the faith.

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What’s The Story?

“Everyone has a story to tell.” These were the words on a t-shirt. Yes, there is a story behind and within everyone as well as everything. The t-shirt was striking. It was black and the words white. It was reminiscent of a chalkboard, from younger days, that would be erased at the end of each day. In a blank state, it held promise and possibility for the day to come…a new day, another chance.

Over the past week or so, further signs of spring (flowers pushing through the earth, a bounty of singing birds, warming temperatures and more) have been appearing here and there. Along with the bursts of color and sound, life is renewed in both what is new and what is old. In looking more closely, there is often more than what is initially revealed. There waits a story, perhaps a message, beyond what meets the eye or turns the ear.

Every year in New England, as season’s change, nature’s slate, although not erased or hidden completely, changes also. It gives way to birth and re-birth in so many ways. There is something new with each day even when we cannot see it or do not notice it. So often, spring seems to blossom out of nowhere, yet we know it has been in the making all winter long, and carrying over from year to year. Our lives are similar. We are offered opportunities with each hour, each day, and each year. Whether we fully realize it or not, each day in a sense is a fresh start…a blank slate…an empty canvas. How we see it and what we fill it with… what we put on it, is up to us.

Sometimes knowingly, sometimes not, we resist the call to change. We resist the Way that seeks to bring us, one day at a time, one moment at a time, into fullness of life…into wholeness. “Everyone has a story tell,” and what a story it can be when we embrace who we truly are. When we remember how blessed we are.

“In your offspring, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
– God to Abraham as written in Acts 3:25

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In a Few Words…

When my daughter was very young, not even a toddler, her and her brother used to take great interest in a toy with one button in particular that resulted in a catchy tune with the voice of a woman singing “Hello” in a few different languages. I can still hear the tune and the words being sung… “Hello!”… “Hola!” … “Bon Jour!” … “Kon’nichiwa!” I can still see the joy on my children’s faces as they listened to the song, taking in the words. I also recall the joy in my heart as I witnessed their joy.

It seems that each year at Easter I think of that toy. I also think about how a few years removed from it, the children seemed to take on the same kind of fascination, but this time, brought about by a pause in music on a CD that we had. During the pause, there were three booming knocks, three times, followed by a spoken Easter greeting and response in various languages from across the globe. “Christ is risen!/Truly He is risen!,” “Christos Anesti!/Alithos Anesti!,” “Al Maseeh Qam!/Haqan Qam!,” “Khristos Voskrese/Vo Istenu Voskrese,” … “Krishti U Ngjall!/Vertet U Ngjall!,”… “Kristos Tensiu!/Behake Tensiu!,” … and “Gaydolk Folkwoot Leew!/Ta Koksut Folkwoot Leew!”

Since then, each year, we have listened to this part of the CD, captivated by the pause, the booming knocks on the church doors (symbolizing the tomb being opened by the risen Christ) and the greetings that follow. Each year we are reminded, in a very special way, of the depth and breadth of God’s love for us, and all our sisters and brothers…for all humanity and all creation.

May the promise of new life that comes with spring bring the joy, hope, and peace of Easter to all.

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Charity and Love…

To be ruled by charity and love may seem far beyond reach, or even impossible, yet it is not. More than anything, it is a choice. While it may be a personal choice, and for any one person, the impact of which may seem minute and perhaps not worthwhile depending on the circumstances, we are called to listen to the voice that says otherwise. We are called to trust that whatever one does out of true charity and love, matters and has an impact far beyond oneself in many ways…some seen and some not.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est…Where charity and love are, God is there.

Jesus transformed water into wine as the first sign or miracle (John 2:1-11), and the celebration of a marriage continued. Undoubtedly, the servers who witnessed this miracle would have been intrigued. What did they do with that?

From that time on, there were other opportunities and invitations, in many different places, to witness the glory of God as well as to partake in it. Some saw and believed and some did not. Regardless, Jesus carried on, continuing to give witness to God not just through his words, but also his actions. He did this to the very end.

Jesus poured water into a basin to wash his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (John 13:12-15). What did the disciples do with that? How did that experience affect them? How does it affect me?

It all starts with water…creation, baptism, ministry…and while it may seem that it ends with water (“but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.” – John 19:34); it is actually the beginning.

Jesus came to show us the Way. He passed the torch on to the disciples at the Last Supper, and through them, and us, to each generation to come. What did the disciples do with that? How did they respond? How do I respond?

The depth of God’s love and charity knows no limits…knows no boundaries. How do I, how do we, care for and share this gift and privilege with which we have been blessed?

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Knowing One’s Position…

I remember as a child, practice after practice, learning how to adapt the position of my body and the direction of my softball glove depending on where the ball was hit; taking into consideration the wide array of possibilities—to the left or right, moving in or out, head on, up in the air or on the ground. I also recall being advised not to overthink or try too hard to make the play. I think of times of overshooting the target when feeling under the gun to throw the ball as hard as possible, in order to get the runner out. In those times, my focus was more on the closing gap between the runner and the base than on simply throwing the ball to the target.

Each year, and at each level of play, there was something new to be learned in becoming more skillful not only as a player, but also as a teammate. Everyone on the team had a primary position, but we also had a backup or supporting position in case of injury. We were asked to be ready for whatever was for the good of the team whether it was on the bench cheering on teammates, warming up the pitcher, or on the field as a starter.

The spirit of the team depended on the embrace of this attitude and way of being. As the saying goes, “united we stand, divided we fall.” However, that all depends on what it is that is bringing us together, to what it is leading and who is being served.

Oftentimes we can feel like we are running out of time or feel a sense of pressure to act swiftly. While there are cases where a quick response is necessary, there are also many cases where a sense of urgency is a trick play, seeking to take one “off their game.” There are times when the best course of action is to slow down in order to be in tune with the natural flow and instinct ingrained within each of us, patiently trying to guide us for the good of all.

Every now and again, even though I may be embracing the “team” attitude and have my positions covered, I need to ask myself, is this truly in the best interest of the entire team? This is not something that anyone else can answer for me. Only I can know the truth of the matter for myself. However, it can only be revealed, if I am willing to entertain both possibilities – I may be acting in the best interest of the team, but I may also not be acting in the best interest of the team.

“But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.” – Matthew 27:50

The Pharisees and the scribes who sought to get rid of Jesus, gave up their spirits to serve and protect themselves. Jesus gave up…surrendered his spirit as part of the plan that was truly for the greater good – Salvation.

Surrender to God is never failure, but rather victory unlike any other.

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Knowing One’s Position…

Newman…

Through a series of changes, I recently had the opportunity to learn about the life of John Henry Newman. I found his story to be fascinating. Living in England for almost all his life, the change that resulted from his conversion was huge. He faced great challenges in going from the Anglican Church to the Roman Catholic Church.

John Henry Newman’s road went from childhood to Trinity College, Oxford student to vicar, teacher, preacher and writer at Oxford University to Roman Catholic priest and eventually Cardinal. He was a great theologian; first in the Anglican tradition and then in the Roman Catholic tradition. When he became a Roman Catholic priest though his entire life was turned upside down. He could no longer teach, preach or write at Oxford and because of his prominent Anglican position prior to his conversion he was seen as suspect within the Roman Catholic hierarchy. Essentially, all that he knew was taken away from him. Many of his relationships were severed and he was stripped of his teaching position and the prestige that went along with it. However, amidst these very big changes, his desire and resolve to seek and live a life of truth did not change.

John Henry Newman remained faithful and true to God and what he felt God was calling him to, throughout his life. We are called to do the same. Despite his less than favorable status with the Pope at the time of his conversion (Pius IX), he carried on and kept following his conscience. We are also called to follow our conscience. When Pope Pius IX died and the next Pope (Leo XIII) came along, Newman was named Cardinal even though he was not a Bishop and he was not a resident in Rome.

When John Henry Newman was named Cardinal, he took the motto “Cor ad cor loquitur” (“Heart speaks to heart”). How fitting for someone who was, and still is, in many ways a champion of the authority of the Church—God.

“It is indeed sometimes said that the stream is clearest near the spring. Whatever use may fairly be made of this image, it does not apply to the history of a philosophy or belief, which on the contrary is more equable, and purer, and stronger, when its bed has become deep, and broad, and full. It necessarily rises out of an existing state of things, and for a time savours of the soil. Its vital element needs disengaging from what is foreign and temporary, and is employed in efforts after freedom which become more vigorous and hopeful as its years increase. Its beginnings are no measure of its capabilities, nor of its scope. At first no one knows what it is, or what it is worth. It remains perhaps for a time quiescent; it tries, as it were, its limbs, and proves the ground under it, and feels its way. From time to time it makes essays which fail, and are in consequence abandoned. It seems in suspense which way to go; it wavers, and at length strikes out in one definite direction. In time it enters upon strange territory; points of controversy alter their bearing; parties rise and around it; dangers and hopes appear in new relations; and old principles reappear under new forms. It changes with them in order to remain the same. In a higher world it is otherwise, but here below to live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.” – Blessed John Henry Newman