Love

Light Through Darkness…

At first glance, the landscape seemed to offer little in the way of premium Fall New England colors. With a little time and upon further examination, brighter spots in between the deep, dark green became illumined. With the help of the rising sun, as it began to reach over the tops of the trees across the opposite side of the park, red, orange, and yellow, once dull and hidden, could now be seen.

It is interesting, what natural, or true and pure light can do. No matter how bleak or gloomy a situation may seem, under the light of Truth, there is hope… and, where there is hope there is certainly faith and love. These together provide strength for the journey, comfort in moments of heartache and heartbreak, and peace to be open to the wisdom and guidance patiently waiting on the other side of unrest.

In the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, it is written, “Shine like lights in the world as you hold on to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15d, 16a). St. Paul wrote this advice to the people of Philippi, the first Christian community in Europe that he had helped to form. Not only that, but he wrote it while imprisoned, essentially for doing the very thing he is asking the Philippians to do; the very thing we are asked to do. Despite circumstances, through the grace of God, and throughout the ages, we are all called to shine like a light, both bright and true, and with a heart and mind focused… not only fixed on God, but also fixed on placing the desire to do God’s will above all else. When we do this, we shine through the darkness that tries to quell and quiet us. When we do this, we break free.

SparksOfLight

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.

 

TheAppleAndTheLight

 

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.

Sunrise_Easter2017Post

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?

LakeMassapoag2

To Love and Be Loved…

As Valentine’s Day approaches, flowers, chocolates, cards and other gifts that have come to be seen as expressions of affection and love abound. There are so many ways to express one’s love for another, especially materially. However, ultimately, love is much deeper than that which can be smelled, eaten or touched. It is about what we do and in how we respond to one another.

Genuine love is priceless and often reaches farther than one might realize. It comes with meaning and depth that includes freedom to be one self, trust, truth and acceptance toward another or at the hands of another. Genuine love is not a one-way street. It flows to and from, and then over and beyond.

“To be loved, to be loved (to be loved)/ Oh what a feeling/ To be loved,” Jackie Wilson sings in the song written by Roquel Davis, Gwendolyn Gordy Fuqua, and Berry Gordy Jr. The song continues, “Some wish to be a king or a queen/ Some wish for fortune and fame/ But to be truly, truly, truly loved/ Is more than all of these things.”

There is no power greater than love. In fact, all creation springs forth from Love. In God’s love we enter this world with the capacity to both love and be loved. This genuine love is the bond that holds humanity together.

What is it then, that gets in the way? What is it that prevents love, the kind that shines bright and true, from being realized or lived out? In what ways do I contribute to, or detract from, the flow of God’s love within, around and beyond me?

While at a quick glance, money and power seem most likely culprits, at the heart of the matter, love is most often trampled upon by self-interest that exceeds or excludes care and concern for others; a primary focus on gathering, preserving, receiving or taking for oneself. When vision becomes narrow and self-centered, the ability to love and to be loved also narrows; becoming inhibited or incapacitated.

When this happens though, hope need not be lost. With real love, there is no such thing as a “point of no return.” Perhaps one of the greatest characteristics of authentic love is that its source is ever-present. Genuine love is always within reach, waiting for that moment of turning around to show us the way…softening the heart…embracing and lifting us up in communion once more.

To be loved is a blessing…to love…a gift.

goldenheart

 

I do…

In a time when the news is overrun with reports of less than honorable behavior by politicians and leaders; widespread violence; and devastation from war, poverty, and natural disaster, it was refreshing to receive word of a family member’s engagement to marry. It was such wonderful news! What a great reminder of the love and good that still exists despite all that would seek to destroy it. Yes, there is always light.

Delighted for this newly engaged couple, I recall, so vividly, the day my oldest nephew was born. I had just finished taking a final exam for a course titled, “Western Civilization.” Upon opening the door to my dorm room, there were two blue paper balloons that my roommates had taped to the wall. They exclaimed, “Congratulations, Aunt Carissa!” “It’s a boy!” I will always remember what a joy the news of my nephew’s birth was. It was of the same magnitude and kind of joy that has accompanied each of the births in the family that has followed.

What a blessing new life is, bringing excitement and hope…also gratitude. Any time there is a birth of any sort (a child, an idea, a beginning) there is beauty in the moment, pure love, and the promise of possibility. These all seem to exceed by far any potential obstacles or pitfalls that may come down the road.

As I look back to what was, and then to all that is, I recall at different points wondering…worrying…about the future. I remember, especially around my own engagement, there were so many thoughts beginning with the word, “How.” How will we afford a home? How will we provide for a family? There were so many questions. There are still so many unknowns. Then I think, “We first began, and then we took one step at a time.”

I feel grateful for Grace that leads the way, the faith that grows as we continue the journey, and the examples of both those that came before us, and those who walk beside us. Bit by bit, step-by-step, slowly, but surely things that seem to be so far away or even impossible at times become reality.

“Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – St. Francis of Assisi.

mountainido

Gifts from God are Everlasting…

About a week ago, it was the month and date of the last time I was together with all of my siblings. A number of us had traveled a good distance south to be there. The six of us were present and engaged, laughing and talking with each other.

I don’t recall what the weather was like that day, but the sun was shining. At least I remember feeling that way…surrounded by warmth and love. We were gathered in a room, eating lunch and spending time together prior to the youngest of us starting preparations for another bone marrow transplant. Despite the impending procedure, I recall feeling joy in the moments of our togetherness.

Our time together that day ended and some of us returned north. Afterward, I spoke with my younger brother by phone. We were talking about our lunch together with all of our older siblings. We spoke about how much we enjoyed being together. Then he said, “I wish we could be together all the time.” I remember saying, “Yeah, but we would probably get on each other’s nerves if we were together all the time.” Then we joked about how it would be fine as long as we had space to retreat to, we could live on a cul-de-sac with a house for each of us, numbered 1 through 6 of course…we laughed. Growing up many a thing was labeled with our birth order number so as for us to easily identify our belongings.

While seven years have passed now since that day in May, sometimes it seems as if it were just yesterday. None of us knew that day, that the next time we would be together would come so soon…and with one less voice. My brother passed away a little more than a month later.

Every year around the anniversary of that day, I feel such sadness and heartache at first. Then, as I recall the day and the spirit in which we were together I feel so grateful for that one last time all together, and all the days we had together leading up to it. Each time I recall that experience, or any other time with my younger brother, I can picture his handsome face and mischievous smile. It is as if, in that moment, our spirits bow to each other and I know he lives on…encouraging me to remember there is beauty in each moment…to embrace and cherish it. Reminding me that what really matters cannot be taken away, not even by death.

One Voice by The Wailin’ Jennys – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc6HloRYZGc

This is the sound of one voice
One spirit, one voice
The sound of one who makes a choice
This is the sound of one voice

This is the sound of voices two
The sound of me singing with you
Helping each other to make it through
This is the sound of voices two

This is the sound of voices three
Singing together in harmony
Surrendering to the mystery
This is the sound of voices three

This is the sound of all of us
Singing with love and the will to trust
Leave the rest behind it will turn to dust
This is the sound of all of us

This is the sound of one voice
One people, one voice
A song for every one of us
This is the sound of one voice

This is the sound of one voice

DJM2Drum

Finding a Rhythm…

When our children were young, one of the books my husband and I used to read to them was Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin! by Lloyd Moss with illustrations by Marjorie Priceman. The storyline introduced, with a flair that was intriguing, ten instruments that make up a chamber group. The words and illustrations used to describe each instrument with its different look, sound, and feel, awakened the imagination and the senses. By the end, one could easily envision being in the audience, attending the performance.

Each instrument is capable of creating sound on its own; acceptable maybe even wonderful, but one-dimensional. When together, embraced and celebrated along with the others, different as they may look, sound and feel they are so much more. They are enhanced not only by the existence of the others, but also by the cooperation and co-laboring with them. The brass, string, and woodwind instruments are all necessary parts to create the movement, the music…the melody and harmony of the chamber group.

While there is a conductor “running the show,” he or she is not the one who brought the group of musicians together. It was love of music that brought the entire group, conductor included, together. It all started with Love…it all started with a Word.

It is what binds the group together and propels them forward. It is what enables them to sit side-by-side, working together with respect, courtesy, and dignity, listening to each other, adjusting to each other, and allowing each other to play their individual instruments together, making music instead of cacophony…Taking all that came before and making a bridge from the past to the present as they move toward the future…Taking all that they have learned and experienced, making room for the new and/or different that each has to offer, becoming stronger, better, and richer in sound, and in character.

Any one musician can use his or her instrument to make noise, but for the chamber group to make music everyone in the group needs to be in sync with each other. Everyone in the group needs to be guided more by their love of music than their love of their particular instrument.

“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.”
– John 1:1

Not All Flowers Are Red…That’s Intentional

Flowers Are Red by Harry Chapin

The little boy went first day of school
He got some crayons and he started to draw
He put colors all over the paper
For colors was what he saw

And the teacher said, “What you doin’ young man?”
“I’m paintin’ flowers” he said
She said, “It’s not the time for art young man
And anyway flowers are green and red”

“There’s a time for everything young man
And a way it should be done
You’ve got to show concern for everyone else
For you’re not the only one”

And she said, “Flowers are red young man
And green leaves are green
There’s no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen”

But the little boy said
“There are so many colors in the rainbow
So many colors in the morning sun
So many colors in the flower and I see every one”

Well the teacher said, “You’re sassy
There’s ways that things should be
And you’ll paint flowers the way they are
So repeat after me”

And she said, “Flowers are red, young man
And green leaves are green
There’s no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen”

But the little boy said
“There are so many colors in the rainbow
So many colors in the morning sun
So many colors in the flower and I see every one”

The teacher put him in a corner
She said, “It’s for your own good
And you won’t come out ’til you get it right
And are responding like you should”

Well finally he got lonely
Frightened thoughts filled his head
And he went up to the teacher
And this is what he said

And he said
“Flowers are red, and green leaves are green
There’s no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen”

Time went by like it always does
And they moved to another town
And the little boy went to another school
And this is what he found

The teacher there was smilin’
She said, “Painting should be fun
And there are so many colors in a flower
So let’s use every one”

But that little boy painted flowers
In neat rows of green and red
And when the teacher asked him why
This is what he said

And he said
“Flowers are red, and green leaves are green
There’s no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen”

The longer I live, the more I see that fewer and fewer things are black and white, and that when I am truly focused on, and acting out of love, whatever the situation may be, color, shape or form have very little bearing at all.

Imagine what it might be like to be in a world, where encouragement toward discovering and using one’s God-given gifts was the norm, and where love was the driving force of each word and each action. If society let God be God…If religion, instead of being used at times and/or seen by some as a tool for “fixing” each other, so we can all be the “same,” focused more heavily on love and relationship…relationship with God and with each other. What might it be like, if the need to be “right” were dismissed?

Somehow, I cannot help but think and feel that if God wanted everyone to be, to think, and to feel the exact same, God would have made that happen. God didn’t though. However, God did inscribe the same law, the law of love, on all of our hearts. God also inspired Scripture that is full of examples of love, mercy, and compassion across all kinds of situations and “would be” societal barriers.

While it may seem hard to live in and out of love, day in and day out, it is not impossible. All we have to do is try…and keep on trying. God will make it happen…if we ask (and keep on asking), and then let go and let God be in charge.

“The important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love.” ― St. Teresa of Ávila

What Instrument Will I Be?

Throughout the past week, I found myself feeling so inspired by the words of Pope Francis during his visit to the United States of America. I continue to find, as many others do, his message and his manner so appealing. There is no duplicity in him, or at least it seems that way. He preaches, and from all evidence, lives a life of love and mercy and promotes peace and unity.

Pope Francis exudes the essence of one who is centered in prayer, has a desire to remain faithful to God, and is filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit. He is inclusive and calls us to look beyond ourselves to focus on the common good. He challenges us to be faithful to God and sets an example through his own actions. Not only that, but what makes his words and actions even more meaningful (at least to me), he does all of this, without making it about himself. All that he says and does seems to point to something greater…to God.

“Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:16

What a great example! One that extends to more than just one group of people, one that is so life giving and aspires a closer relationship with God and others. Pope Francis calls us to be true to who God created us to be. To have a Pope named Francis, who comes to us in the name of God, through Jesus and with the Holy Spirit, at this time in history, how fitting!

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.

– Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi