World’s breakneck pace, Stop that race. Put on the brakes. Hungry, greedy sharks, Stop the noise. Stop the thunder. Stop breeding misplaced hunger. We are broken, and run down. Lord, turn us around.
Step off that ladder. Come down from that pedestal. Look up from your work. Sister, help your brother, One and all, help each other. Stand up now, and be fed. Be true, and be led. Lord, bring us around.
Wisdom, seeking Wisdom? The time is right, as always. Be moved to higher ground. Turn it over, and then again. For although we are many, We are not. We are one. So, why not come together? Even better, be united. Lay down sides, Take up faith, not fate, And cry out loud, Lord, turn it around.
But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. – 1 Cor 12:20
Looking up into the darkness, preparing for the show that is about to begin, and “knowing” what is to come. Fireworks on New Year’s Eve or Day is a longstanding tradition around the world. Their origin is as a part of practices meant to ward off evil spirits, driving them away with loud booms and flashes of light. In our times, fireworks can be startling, but most often they bring a sense of both awe and knowing.
Passing from one year to the next, it seems so natural to think in terms of progression. Where have I been? Where am I going? And while human nature tends to lean toward the notion of being in control, it also often leans toward a kind of mapping and planning that can take one away from the heart and light of creation, and life’s true meaning.
Life like fireworks, our expectations so great. Hearing booms followed by colors and rays of light. Looking for a magnificent display each time, each year, bigger and better than before, A man-made quest.
In the process, we stretch and strive. All caught up, are we really rising above, going beyond, settling down, or drifting into the air, as trails of smoke?
While soaring and shining, what do we leave behind in the dust, are we led, or are we leading, and what do we carry with us?
Be humble for you are made of earth. Be noble for you are made of stars. – Serbian proverb
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. – Matthew 2:1-12
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
With the starting point blanketed in fog, one couldn’t help but wonder whether it would be worthwhile to venture out any further on this day. Yet, despite the limited visibility we carried on, coming across pockets that offered clearer vision—spots and places once hidden, where we could pause and gather our bearings. And as for the silence encompassing the mist all around, while at first eerie, with time becoming rather comforting, inspiring a sense of adventure and greater insight as we moved along the contours, crossed plateaus, and entered the ups and downs of our terrain.
Always a spot to rest, or safely step, provided when needed most.
Always a way around, over, or simply through, provided when needed most.
Always at the right time, in the right place, and in the right way, provided when needed most.
Interesting how most needs are met, in trusting, while moving toward, and searching for, what is truly needed.
He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” – Luke 11:28
In chapter 5 of the Gospel according to Mark, the saving power of Jesus is revealed in the healing of the man with unclean spirits (the Gerasene demoniac), the woman who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years, and the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue official. In all three cases, Jesus acts differently than what is expected, in that he is not afraid to meet and embrace those who have met misfortune, and are viewed as less than, and he does not treat anyone or anything as a lost cause or beyond repair. Because of this, even though what he has to offer is beneficial, to those who are married to one way of being he is seen as someone to be weary of and who is dangerous.
When Jesus heals the demoniac, sending the unclean spirits into a herd of swine who then head over the bank and into the sea where they meet their demise, folks become afraid. They cannot see the miracle in the healing that has taken place and ask him to leave. He does get in the boat and depart back to the other side. However, he also remains. The man he healed takes heed in Jesus’s instructions to him. In staying behind, Jesus is with him, and the man gives witness to what the Lord has done for him.
When the hemorrhaging woman touches his cloak, Jesus, who is on the way to heal the synagogue official’s daughter, stops, and takes time not only to seek and find the woman he has just healed, but also to engage with her. Despite fear, the woman comes forward to own, or to claim, the truth. In doing so, she is met, not with a critical, harsh, or condescending response, but rather with affirmation. She believed in Jesus and was willing to take a leap and trust in the healing that she sensed he could bring, when she dared to reached out to touch his garment as he passed by. With Jesus, there is no such thing as too little, too late, not worthwhile, or not enough time.
When it is announced that the synagogue official’s daughter is dead, and that he is no longer needed, Jesus does not turn away. He tells the girl’s father, “Do not be afraid. Just have faith.” (v. 36). Despite the news and being ridiculed by others, Jesus proceeds to their house and wakes the girl up. With Jesus, nothing is impossible.
As a Christian, one is called to follow Jesus, embracing the Way, and striving, through the grace of God, to live it. As challenging, uncomfortable, or unpopular as it may be, oftentimes, this requires change and evolution. Sometimes it may mean the opposite or a variation of the new ways and examples happening in the world, and at other times, it may mean the opposite or a variation of the old ways. Either way, the constant is Love, and the question is whether we trust God enough to let Love be the author.
It’s an incredible mystery of God’s love that the more you know how deeply you are loved, the more you will see how deeply your sisters and your brothers in the human family are loved. – Henri Nouwen
Some days seem to arrive so suddenly, despite all the moments along the way building and leading up to them. Occasions can seem so far away, distant, or perhaps remote in possibility, but then in a blink of an eye, there they are, upon us.
Looking back, quite often we can see that there was a gradual unfolding. Bit by bit, being led, pushing back, falling into, twisting and turning, moving toward, and perhaps eventually all out embracing the process in the making. And, almost always, right before our very eyes, like the rising and setting of the sun, or the movement of the wind and drifting of the clouds.
Purpose and meaning, and yes, a point, even in the midst, or lack, of human understanding.
In the Gospel according to Mark, after the preparation and celebration of the Passover, on the day that would become known as the Lord’s supper, we read:
“Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Mk 14:26).
To sing a song of thanksgiving to God would have been a very normal and traditional thing to do in bringing the Passover meal to a close. Yet what was revealed during the Lord’s supper and what was about to transpire, was not so traditional. Here is a look at it:
Jesus tells the disciples, “…one of you will betray me…” (14:18) leading to angst within each of them as they take turns asking, “Surely it is not I?” (14:19), he introduces and enters a new covenant where he, the Savior, is the sacrificial lamb (14:22-24), and then Jesus tells them, “I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (14:25).
Imagine what it must have been like for the disciples as they experienced this, then sang a hymn of thanksgiving and praise, and prepared to go out to the Mount of Olives. They probably did not understand, or fully grasp, what had happened during the Passover meal.
Imagine also being told by Jesus, “All of you will have your faith shaken, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be dispersed.’ But after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” (14:27-28). Yes, they were foretold the things that would happen, but still, they did not know the circumstances they were about to step into—the Agony in the Garden.
However, the disciples did know that they were with the Lord, and that the Lord was with them. They also had the experience of being in Jesus’ presence and a tradition of faith that had carried them throughout their lives, led them to the Lord’s supper, and would lead them through the moments that were ahead. Overall, one might say, all these things combined is what enabled them to trust, perhaps without even knowing that was what they were doing, as they left the Passover meal and stepped out, heading toward the Mount of Olives, and landing in the garden, and all that awaited them.
“I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.” – Psalm 116:13
In a few weeks, my oldest child will be turning the page toward a new chapter in his life, as he graduates. So many years have passed and so much has transpired since his birth, yet it’s still hard to believe that this milestone is already here. As I think about the journey as a parent, I recall moments of feeling joy and pride as well as moments of feeling fear and uncertainty. What an awesome responsibility… what an awesome privilege. But then, isn’t that what love is all about? Being present, holding on, lifting up, letting go, and along the way, being drawn toward the balance that lies between?
In the Gospel according to John, Jesus says:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.” (15:9)
How do we do that?
We remain in love, by choosing to live in Love. When we choose to be present to each other and creation, we are also choosing to be present to God, and God’s love for us. This is the source of joy, and it can only be complete when it is shared and flowing freely among us. So often though, things get in the way, distracting us, and pulling us apart from each other, as well as from God.
When we remain in God’s love though, we can see things for what they are more readily, and withhold the judgment that seeks to lead us against one another rather than bring us together. What an awesome responsibility… what an awesome privilege. But then, isn’t that what love is all about? Being present, holding on, lifting up, letting go, and along the way, being drawn toward the balance that lies between?
Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.” — Rumi
They started out a neatly organized bouquet of tulips, bulbs closed and standing upright in a vase, but with time, each came into its own. Still tulips though, and called by name, no matter the style or type of display. Some still upright. Some bending, turning, twisting, as if being called toward something else altogether, but again, all still called by name—side by side—together.
More than humane… a compelling lesson for humanity. Nothing new… it is as it has always been. In opening up, reaching out, and stretching toward another… letting go of “other,” change is made. What is true and meaningful, is more than comprehension. When the peace within one’s heart, reaches out, it permeates from soul to soul, and only then, is it about becoming.
Just as he said to the disciples who met him on the road to Emmaus, Jesus says to us, “You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:48). As followers of Jesus, what did they do with that?
Fast forward to today… As disciples of Jesus, what do we do with all to which we have become witnesses? How do we stand with both the crucified and risen Jesus?
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
After Jesus’ body was laid in the tomb, a large stone was placed in front of the opening to it, and life for those seemingly left behind, although altered, carried on.
Then, the third day…
They were saying to one another, “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” – Mark 16:3
Envisioning the stone obstructing the way, brings me back to an instance from childhood. I recall one year in particular when there was work being done in our backyard that required excavation. Things were going along smoothly until a large boulder, seemingly immovable, was unearthed.
As a result, everything came to a halt and it stayed that way for a number of days. The contractor’s equipment was insufficient to move such a large object. Eventually, though, special equipment was brought in to move the boulder to the perimeter of the backyard. Now out of the way, the work that had been started was able to be completed.
In the days and years that followed, when playing or hanging out with siblings or friends, or just looking out across the yard, there was the boulder. Thinking back, it’s interesting that while some things that seemed so large in size during childhood, seem to have shrunken in adulthood, the boulder remained unchanged. It was huge then, and it is huge now. Still an awesome reminder that every situation, even the unexpected or seemingly impossible, can be overcome.
As the second Easter Sunday amidst Covid-19 times approaches, many thoughts and emotions surface around all that has transpired over the course of the past year, and more. In “normal” times, the experiences one encounters can be challenging enough, never mind a pandemic. Yet, despite the challenges and struggles, there is always help. That’s the promise.
When Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome, went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, they expected the stone to be in the way, and they expected that they would need help. What they didn’t know, was that the stone had already been rolled back, and all that was left, was for them to arrive.
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint him. Very early when the sun had risen, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back; it was very large. On entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe, and they were utterly amazed. He said to them, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him. But go and tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.’” – Mark 16:1-7
Savior, he can move the mountains My God is mighty to save He is mighty to save Forever author of Salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave – Ben Fielding/Reuben Morgan – Mighty to Save
The world, And its inhabitants, Who are abundantly “living,” Something else. In a shell, On a hill, Away from it all. Yet, Life, Forgotten, Trampled, and hidden. Nothing else. Something else.
Create a clean heart in me, O God; Renew within me a steadfast spirit. – Psalm 51:12
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