Life

The Heart of Preparation…

In a lot of ways, it’s human nature to see preparing in terms of stocking up on tangible assets such as food, beverage, health, and other household supplies. However, the preparation Jesus is talking about in chapter 24, verses 37-44 of the Gospel according to Matthew (included below) , is about not being so attached to that kind of mindset, but rather to focus on embracing what can be attained not through material means, but through a heart that is maturing in its capacity to love and to be loved. This is something that is not accomplished by how much one does or the number of prayers that one might say, but rather by how one’s prayer influences decisions, actions, and interactions, so as to strive to live in such a way that one reflects the heart of God here on earth.

It’s not that preparing to have what one needs to sustain oneself physically is not good. It’s that it can be easy for that to become a bigger part of one’s concerns and for the mind to take over, leading to a heart that’s less than what it is created to be. One that is more self-serving than it is open to being a servant of God. Comparatively, when one can start with their heart, inviting God into the mix, everything else can fall into place. The result being that one has what they need, and not only sees the places where they are able to give, but also has a desire to do so.

As we enter the first week of Advent, in what ways do you need the heart of God to be revealed to you? And how do you desire to be a presence of the heart of God in each moment, in the coming weeks and beyond?

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” – Mt 24:37-44

Facing All Sides…

Today, November 20th, is also the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Although the date of this occasion is not the same every year, this year is one where it coincides with the anniversary of the official release of Windows 1.0 (November 20, 1985) which included a game, Reversi, based on another game named Othello.

Regardless of the name though, the two-player game like the push and pull of life on earth is all about strategy. It involves a green board and round pieces that are black on one side and white on the other, and players take turns trying to “book-end” their opponent’s pieces either horizontally or vertically. When successful, a player can then convert pieces from the other player’s color to one’s own, and when all the pieces are used, the player who has more of their color pieces on the board wins.

Essentially, this game is another that is all about paying attention, thinking ahead, maneuvering, and navigating to benefit from both one’s own plays as well as the missteps of one’s opponent. Typical of pretty much any kind of competition. Or, on the other hand, it can just be a simple, engaging game while spending time with a loved one. The pieces like coins or chips, creating an interesting rhythm as they shake back and forth in a loosely closed fist, and a pattern that slowly emerges as each piece is placed on the board of green amid moments of speaking and ones of silence. Ultimately, like many things, it depends on the eye with which one views it.

Sitting with chapter 23, verses 35-43, of the Gospel according to Luke (below), one can see two sides of the piece. There were those, the rulers, soldiers, and one of the criminals, who saw the situation solely in terms of themselves and in the world (winning, losing, us against them). They taunt Jesus and browbeat him about not fighting back and overcoming them, which they assume he would do if he was really a king.

And then, there was the other criminal, who saw the situation as it truly was. He could see and acknowledge the truth, that both criminals had done wrong, and Jesus had not. He also pushed back against the misconceptions and aggressive behavior toward Jesus. It seems that the eye through which he viewed what was happening was more flexible, able to take in a broader view—the full picture including beyond himself, and less hardened than the others who were there. As a result, he was more open, and this allowed him to see through the noise and mentality of the crowd. It led him to the truth and a desire that drew him closer to Jesus, Savior, in the moment he was facing… in the moment they were facing together.

In this month of Thanksgiving and remembrance, with which eye are you viewing situations? And in what ways do you desire to face each moment together with Jesus?

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
“He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.”
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
“If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.”
Above him there was an inscription that read,
“This is the King of the Jews.”

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
“Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us.”
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
“Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal.”
Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him,
“Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.” – Lk 23:35-43

Recalling…

In the quiet stillness,
A peace easy to remember,
Flowing from what was,
What is, and what shall always be.
It is in a gentle whisper,
Sometimes a sturdy breeze,
Raining down, then kicking up,
All sorts of memories.
The beckon of a beacon,
Remaining steady in its yearning.
Always right on center,
In both time and space,
Calling back the mind
That tends to wander,
Calling for a time
To pause, sit and ponder.
Although clock is moving,
And pledges have been made,
This is not a race.
Think about the prayer,
The way things are,
What has passed, 
And may never be again.
Yet hope does not fade,
Sometimes it saunters to a linger.
A soft and warming glow,
But held in place,
Infused with cherished memories.
Some say only time will tell,
Yet faith knows or better senses,
Only truth will tell.
Your deep abiding love,
The only trust worth trusting.
For, ever is it known,
That all is well or on its way,
But only in remembrance
Of your ever-present grace.

Lord, show us the light of your face! – Psalm 4:7b

In Plain Sight…

Waiting for the show to begin,
But maybe it never stopped.
Still, wondering what the next scene may hold,
And noticing how the stage is set.
Then, up high and to the right,
Along the border,
Sidelined and on the corner,
A character, in all honesty,
Sitting there, also waiting,
To tell the story,
And to make it known,
Whether funny or not,
The truth behind and around,
As well as within it.

God made Truth with many doors to welcome every believer who knocks on them. – Kahlil Gibran

All of Life…

All of life,
Carried in the waves.
What’s new is old,
And tried and true.
It’s poetry in motion.
Rising, falling, floating,
Running, if not rolling,
Always on the move.
A little here,
A little there,
All around,
and everywhere.

All of life,
Carried in the waves,
And held together by Perfection.

Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Mt 6:34

In a Word…

If you had to describe Easter in one word, what word would you use? While there is a plethora of words that could be chosen, what words speak more profoundly to you today, and what one word would be most fitting to encapsulate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus?

Reflecting on the Triduum, with all the words, images, and actions that take place from Holy Thursday thru the Easter Vigil, the word authenticity seems apropos. Jesus taught by example and told his disciples what was going to happen, and then it did happen. His words and actions were true from start to finish. However, Jesus was not alone in his authenticity (be who you are, do as you are).

Looking more intently at the words and actions of some of the other individuals closest to Jesus, one might come to see that they were also being themselves during those moments. For example, Judas succumbed to betraying Jesus through his real-life weakness, identifying more strongly with money and power than anything else at that time. Then there’s Peter denying Jesus three times. This is not a reflection of his sincerity and desire to follow Jesus, but rather just part of where he was and what he was capable of at that time. Many of the other disciples, ran and hid after Jesus was arrested. Some did not. For example, the many women who followed Jesus, and John who witnessed the crucifixion by Mary’s side.

Think about these individuals as fellow human beings who were at the same time and place in history, while having different experiences, internal dispositions, and outward responses to the same events. In what ways do you see the beauty of God’s mercy and love shine through loud and clear? What’s it like to know that regardless of shortcomings or strengths, Jesus loved and accepted them all, seeing their value as beloved and part of creation?

Oftentimes, we can look to label words, decisions, or actions as right or wrong. However, in the process, we neglect to see what we are forfeiting. Jesus, by seeing us for who we are, accepting us where we are, and loving us as we are, not only touches our hearts and enlightens our minds, but also moves us toward resurrection, turning authenticity into Alleluia.

Going about each day, there are many words that we speak and things that we do. What are the things said or done with purpose, and what kind? What do our words and actions mean to us, what inspires them, and how do they reflect eternal life to the world around us?

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
his mercy endures forever. – Psalm 118:1

It Travels and Echoes…

Waking up to the sounds of birds singing to each other,
Calling back and forth,
Noise bouncing here and there—echoes,
Do they realize how far their voices reach?
What is their intention?
What’s that now?
What do they say?
Something familiar, something new,
They whistle in possibilities,
And the newness of the day.
What is my intention?
How does it travel?
What do I say?
Do I realize the blessing that comes with this new day?

The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. – Psalm 126:3

Alternatively…

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

In the New Year, Who Makes All Things New…

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

Love Lifts Up and Over, If You Let It…

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