The love and mercy of God in all its brilliance,
Shines through to the heart that seeks it,
Captivating and enfolding it in all its glory,
Sending it forth with more than a shimmer,
Of the beauty that is Truth.
“For God delivered all to disobedience, that God might have mercy upon all.” – Romans 11:32
In ordinary times, it seems many things fly by, or slip away, unnoticed or forgotten. This week, thinking about summer fast approaching and revisiting memories of summer days gone by, a visit to a university art museum came to mind. When going to a museum there is often a feeling of enthusiasm and openness to seeing many different types and styles of art from various cultures and periods throughout history, all in the same place at the same time.
When reminiscing about this museum visit, what rose to the surface was a piece of art titled, Ave Mariam #2, by the artist Agus Suwage. I remember being struck by how different it was than any other rendering I had seen before. I also recall seeing it from a far, not knowing who it was supposed to be or who the artist might have been. What stood out, and drew me in closer, was the heart. As I moved forward, it was as if my heart, the heart of the subject, and the heart of the artist joined together, becoming one.
The past few months have been very different than many could have ever dreamed. For many, plans, hopes, or dreams erased as lessons gone by, removed from a board. Yet, in what can feel like a long, strange flow of time, where division, deceit, and animosity are overflowing, among all the grief, it seems much has been, and remains, to be gained. It is as if the Universe is screaming… pleading, “Unity!”
While most schools around here are finished with, or finishing up, the academic year, it seems we are back in school. These are “Museum days.” If only the spirit that permeates the inside of the museum encountered such willing participants outside as well. There is so much to take in. There is still so much to learn, so much diversity to appreciate, and so many hearts to come together, to be uplifted and inspired toward the peace that greater awareness and authenticity create.
Lord, help us, Your body, to be moved by the Holy Spirit to partake in Your goodness in all our encounters and endeavors, for the glory of God. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Over the past week, each morning has brought with it, the singing of birds in the backyard and surrounding areas. Their music, coming in the minutes prior to any alarm clock or sleep timer signifying the need to get going in a “time is running out” kind of way, has been mostly a pleasant way to move from sleep toward movement into the happenings of the day, and the ongoing heaviness of the times in which we live. Listening as the birds sing their tune, gratitude arises.
It is as if, the birds are trying share anticipation and excitement for the day. It is as if they are trying to say, as Maya Angelou wrote so beautifully, “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” They sing, and sing some more.
While hearing their songs more prominently in the morning, before the air starts to become filled with waves of other sounds along the way, when I listen carefully, I remember that they also sing all throughout the day. When I look more carefully, I can clearly see. Sometimes they fly, sometimes they perch, and other times they soar. Certainly they have their quiet moments too. Then there’s night, when silence comes. Yet, it seems, whatever darkness night may hold, still when morning comes, they sing their praise… trusting that the gift of the day, and the One who has granted it, is far greater than whatever may be in store.
May the God of all peoples, and all creation, inspire a song of thanks and praise at the start of each day.
May the God of mercy and compassion, inspire a song of love and care for, and to, all, throughout each day.
May the God of all peoples, and all creation, inspire a song of thanks and praise at the mid of each day.
May the God of comfort, peace, and strength, inspire a song of faith, hope, and trust at all moments throughout each day.
May the God of all peoples, and all creation, inspire a song of thanks and praise, at the end of each day.
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.” – John 20:19-23
Going into the fourth Sunday of Lent—Laetare Sunday—it is hard to think of rejoicing while the world is enduring a pandemic. Along with illness and grief, fear seems so rampant. With daily routines, and ways of living and interacting with each other, changing so suddenly and so drastically, new and different pressures arise creating unrest of one kind or another, sometimes more.
Alongside the very wise steps and attempts toward caution that are being taken in different parts of the world over the past weeks, hearing and seeing so much about Coronavirus (COVID-19), the loss of life, and the widespread panic that it is creating can be intimidating, scary, and unsettling. However, we cannot allow it, or anything else, to make us shrink, and fall away from being what is best about being human—the ability to be humane.
With all that is happening across the globe, it can seem like too much at times, and it is. Trying to manage the demands of this “new” world requires more, but that is okay because we are capable of more. Although we may need to keep at a distance, we are not alone.
Oftentimes, looking to see, “What’s the humane thing to do?” invites the grace of God to shine, reminding us in times like these, that through goodwill toward one another, which is always possible, and faith in God, we can help each other to hold it together, without falling apart. That, is how we can rejoice.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life. – John 8:12
Lord, as we walk through each day, help us to know, and to live, what is good and true, in the joyful as well as the difficult and challenging. Help us to take all to prayer, to see with grateful hearts, and to join forces with your glory in all things. For this, we pray…
Lord, hear our prayer.
Memories make their mark in different ways and in varying degrees. One indelibly etched in my mind is that of being told, “I may not know and see everything, but God does.” Hearing these words as a child, no matter how they were intended, was not of any comfort at all, but rather intimidating, or better put, scary. Who was this God that was all-knowing and all-seeing? And, more importantly, where was this God?
It is interesting how, without personal experience and proper or complete context, what we hear and see can become the source of misunderstanding, unrest, and/or perhaps become crippling in ways that may not be so apparent. This is why it is so important to take what we hear and see from others and look at it more closely, contemplating what we hear and see for ourselves, and taking it to heart in the context of all the pieces involved, what we experience, and what we come to know and sense through the process.
In the Gospel according to John, in the story of the woman at the well (John 4:5-42), the woman said of Jesus, “He told me everything I have done.” Then it is written:
When the Samaritans came to him,
they invited him to stay with them;
and he stayed there two days.
Many more began to believe in Jesus because of his word,
and they said to the woman,
“We no longer believe because of your word;
for we have heard for ourselves,
and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.” – (John 4:39-42).
Though the Samaritans had heard about Jesus from the woman at the well, they also needed to hear Jesus for themselves. In such a fast-paced world, where time seems to slip away so often, it can be tempting to rely solely on others, or to forego taking the time or making the effort to hear Jesus for ourselves. However, it is only in doing so, that the answers to “who” and “where” God is, are revealed; truth becomes known, the ways of love and justice become visible, and both are etched more deeply into mind and heart.
Lord, as we walk through each day, help us to take all that we experience, the joyful, as well as the difficult and challenging, into prayer, and help us to make room to hear you. Help us to let go of the old and out-worn, and to embrace You, and Your ways, with grateful hearts, so that our lives may be examples of your glory in all things.
For this, we pray… Lord, hear our prayer.
While running an errand with my son the other day, as we drove along, we were listening to one of his favorite albums, Benefit by Jethro Tull. Despite hearing this album quite often, I am still always struck by the line “I’m going back to the ones that I know, with whom I can be what I want to be,” from the song “With You There to Help Me” sung and written by Ian Anderson. As a parent, I like to think, and I hope and pray, that my children not only know without question, but also will remember that no matter where, or how, they go, they are not alone, and that they can always come back.
In the Gospel according to John, chapter 8, verse 12, it is written, “Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” Jesus does not say whoever follows me from start to finish… whoever follows me in a particular order… whoever follows me, living in a particular way… whoever follows me without blemish. There are no conditions! Anyone and everyone, whoever or wherever they may be, not only can, but is also welcome, to follow Jesus.
Jesus never said, change who you are, and then you can follow me and have the light of life. On the contrary, everything about Jesus says, come as you are, follow me, and you will live. Jesus trusts in the process and allows God to be God.
Jesus encourages us to be our true selves and to let others do the same, too. Jesus knows, and shows it through his words and actions, that whether or not anyone else knows or sees it, each person, is born with goodness in their hearts and unlimited potential. That’s something to follow!
So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. – John 8:13-15
How do we, as individuals and in organizations, nurture and allow ourselves and each other to tap into that potential—the image of God within each of us? In what ways do we give each other the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to help make the world a better place?
Heading toward Boston, a favorite moment, for as long as I can recall, has been the moment at which the Rainbow Swash by Corita Kent, spread across a large gas tank, comes into view to the right of the highway. In my youth, I remember staring out the car window with anticipation, looking forward to seeing the splash of colors. I was too young to be aware of any controversy that may have swirled around those colors and that design.
Now much older, still, no matter the time of year… no matter the weather of a particular day, those stretches of color always seem so bright, jumping out as if for joy. So alive. Too alive to be held back or contained by a dreary backdrop of any kind.
Regardless of how something may or may not be intended, what springs up along the way can often be channeled into a source of guidance and inspiration for those following the Way. Frequently, controversy, unrest, and all that comes with it, can cause blindness to what is good, honorable, and true. Let go, and remember, nothing is beyond the grace of God.
“Love the moment and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries.” – Corita Kent
God said: This is the sign of the covenant that I am making between me and you and every living creature with you for all ages to come: I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. – Genesis 9:12-13
Over the years, I have been fortunate to witness as well as to experience, on many occasions, the care, kindness, and concern of neighbors. While the word “neighbor” may conjure the image of those living in closest proximity, in actuality, regardless of location, preferences, opinions, etc. any fellow human being or living thing is neighbor. Thinking of both those next door and those far away, through countless occurrences and interactions, it seems that, certainly, one of the greatest gifts to come with each heart is the ability to feel compassion and express mercy. However, whether or not one is locked-in and striving to live from this God-given capacity, allowing it to influence thoughts, words, and actions, is another thing.
In the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10), the one who may have been least expected to do so, the Samaritan, is the only one to rise to the occasion, allowing the Spirit to lead him. He stops at the sight of the victim, placing emphasis on his fellow human being (his neighbor) who is in need. He does the proper thing, rather than the easiest or most convenient thing. He seeks not revenge, nor to add insult to injury, but to lessen the blemish made by the robber, also a neighbor. In doing so, he does his part to let the light of God within him grow and shine, and in turn, he is helping, through the grace of God, to keep the one that seeks to cast down humanity at bay.
There is not a flower that opens, not a seed that falls into the ground, and not an ear of wheat that nods on the end of its stalk in the wind that does not preach and proclaim the greatness and the mercy of God to the whole world. – Thomas Merton
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said,
“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law?
How do you read it?”
He said in reply,
“You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your being,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind,
and your neighbor as yourself.”
He replied to him, “You have answered correctly;
do this and you will live.”
But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus,
“And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied,
“A man fell victim to robbers
as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho.
They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.
A priest happened to be going down that road,
but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
Likewise a Levite came to the place,
and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him
was moved with compassion at the sight.
He approached the victim,
poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he lifted him up on his own animal,
took him to an inn, and cared for him.
The next day he took out two silver coins
and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction,
‘Take care of him.
If you spend more than what I have given you,
I shall repay you on my way back.’
Which of these three, in your opinion,
was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?”
He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”
Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” – Luke 10:25-37
As we walked along the cliff, the terrain shifted from paved pathways to ones constructed out of giant rocks along the shoreline. The further we walked, the numbers of those walking became less as the path became trickier to navigate with the level rocks becoming sparse. Taking heed of the signs to be cautious, we forged on, determined not only to get to the other side, but also to take time to enjoy the sites along the way.
Most striking on this particular day, were the tidal pools that we came across. The water seemed so crystal clear—transparent. At the same time, though, it was teeming with living organisms, some visible to the naked eye, some surely not.
Each pool seemed to contain a world of its own. As a child, I remember a field trip where we explored and studied tidal pools. It was fascinating to see various components of the entire ocean in one relatively small area. I remember a classmate spotting a tiny shrimp in one of the pools. It is amazing what one can see when going slower and looking around more carefully.
Surveying the tidal pools, as intact as they seem, they inevitably change with each tide. While they may resemble what was there from the previous tide, they are not the same. Yet, day in and day out, or tide in and tide out, each pool continues to hold its bounty—life, beauty, and all that is intriguing in various different shapes, colors, and forms—as sacred for as long as it remains, or until the tide reclaims it.
That is something to strive for… something to emulate.
“Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them.” – John 17:24-26
Without question, the story of the Prodigal Son shows the mercy of God and the challenge of forgiving trespasses, both our own and those of others. In addition, this parable also offers insight into the importance of a hospitable heart—a heart that is welcoming and gracious to all. This is what caused all those who drew near or reached out to Jesus, to do so. Likewise, this is what led the son who was lost to come back home.
“Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat…” (Luke 15:17). Having lost everything that he thought was going to make him happy and experiencing a very inhospitable environment, the lost son recalls the truth of what the environment was like at his father’s house. He humbles himself and sets out to return home, owning the ways in which he has failed and letting go of all that might lead him to stay away.
When he does so, he encounters neither judgment nor criticism. In addition, his status as son and birthright as heir await him. He encounters open arms running to embrace and welcome him home—a heart overjoyed by his presence. Once again, he experiences true hospitality, which draws him right back into the fold.
Whether there is one or one million and one… or more, God is all in, and for all, always. Cause for rejoicing! What a great example!
May love be the gardener of your years
bringing forth from your grounding in God
a harvest of wholeness and peace,
a bounty of courage and compassion.May your soul tower with the strength of cedars;
your heart pound with the power of the sea.
May joy rise in you like the mountains
and may it be a blessing you share with those you love,
who this day make merry
then in you, the great love of God
has found a home on earth.– A Lebanese Blessing by Jeannette Abi-Bader, HM
Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So to them Jesus addressed this parable:
“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,
‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’
So the father divided the property between them.
After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings
and set off to a distant country
where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.
When he had freely spent everything,
a severe famine struck that country,
and he found himself in dire need.
So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens
who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.
And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,
but nobody gave him any.
Coming to his senses he thought,
‘How many of my father’s hired workers
have more than enough food to eat,
but here am I, dying from hunger.
I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
I no longer deserve to be called your son;
treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’
So he got up and went back to his father.
While he was still a long way off,
his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.
He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
His son said to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;
I no longer deserve to be called your son.’
But his father ordered his servants,
‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him;
put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.
Then let us celebrate with a feast,
because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;
he was lost, and has been found.’
Then the celebration began.
Now the older son had been out in the field
and, on his way back, as he neared the house,
he heard the sound of music and dancing.
He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.
The servant said to him,
‘Your brother has returned
and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf
because he has him back safe and sound.’
He became angry,
and when he refused to enter the house,
his father came out and pleaded with him.
He said to his father in reply,
‘Look, all these years I served you
and not once did I disobey your orders;
yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.
But when your son returns
who swallowed up your property with prostitutes,
for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’
He said to him,
‘My son, you are here with me always;
everything I have is yours.
But now we must celebrate and rejoice,
because your brother was dead and has come to life again;
he was lost and has been found.’” – Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
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