Love

Many Hearts, One Body

The wind blew steady, silencing the sound of the waves. In some spots, it blew sand across the beach and in others it simply blew. All in all, though, as we journeyed along the coastline, it consistently nudged us ahead or slowed us down depending on the direction in which we walked.

At times the constancy of the wind was so harsh it conjured thoughts of stopping and turning back. However, as we walked together, the elements seemed to meld us together, making us one. We spoke… and we listened as we reminisced, sought advice, remembered loved ones, and shared hopes and dreams. We found gratitude, encouragement, and joy in one another.

In the Spirit of love and companionship we found the wherewithal to keep walking. None of us realized just how far we had come from our starting point until we stopped and looked back in amazement. The wind was still present and very noticeable, but the thoughts of turning back or abandoning the path ahead had vanished completely. Despite all that might seek to work against us, together, we journeyed, and together, we experienced the Glory of God. Alleluia!

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15

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Emerging Grace…

It is a most joyous occasion for all, when the light one carries within burns brightly, emerging into an outward glow.

At the time of birth, we all shine with a radiance that is unmatched—beautiful and unblemished. Our light, new to those already in the world, is received magnanimously, often with open hearts, steadfast love, and faithful hope. In fact, the thoughts and feelings engendered by even just the announcement of impending birth often stirs hearts and minds to great anticipation and excitement. Perhaps it is because the unblemished Love within us recognizes and longs for the companionship and unblemished Love within others.

We delight in this Love and welcome it as Good News. It is unquestionable and so easy to see and to embrace. When faced with the knowledge of new life, the Spirit of connection… of Oneness and Unity that resides within each of us cries out. As we move about each day, the same Spirit is with us. A constant companion, with a desire to fill each thirst and hunger within, to help us to see the new life that is all around us, waiting to come to life, waiting to be received, with the same openness and joy that we hold at the time of birth. The Spirit abides within us and moves us toward God and one another, as in the moment the infant in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy (Luke 1:44). How do we respond?

O God, restore us;
light up your face and we shall be saved. – Psalm 80:4

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Fruitcake…

At each step along the way, whether rocky and disjointed, or smooth and sure, invitation awaits, promise exists, and fulfillment is upon the horizon.

“We are constantly invited to be who we are.” – Henry David Thoreau

Who we are, and who we aspire to be, can lead us in many different directions. Sometimes it can be hard to know which way to go. It can be tempting to go only where the path is more predictable and “certain”, to be drawn into misplacing priorities, to hold onto that which may be intended to be temporary, or to let go and walk away too easily.

Despite all that occurs in the world, or in our lives, and that can cause parts of us to become rigid, who we are calls us to be flexible. While there is much in society that attempts to pull our hearts toward being secure in or through ourselves and others, rather than in and through God, who we are calls us to be fluid… open to guidance and direction, nurturing and pruning, by God—the vine grower (John 15:1).

Jesus said, “Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5).

Jesus is reminding us, who we are. Telling us who our lifeline is, and that if we’re going to hold onto, grasp, or cling, let it be to God. Let it be to the Love that sustains and gives life.

Each of us is created in the image of, and out of, Love. A Love that calls us to embody itself and be a presence of love in the world. At the same time, we are also called to allow ourselves to be loved by others. For Love is the source of all fruit that is born.

Love is the driving force of life. Not just a passing affection or surface desire, but a deep, never ending Love. One that connects all living things to one another, and that is neither bound by space nor time.

To love well, or to bear much fruit, requires honest work and cooperation. It is ongoing. It stretches, builds, and challenges us, and can only be truly done in communion with God and one another. It cannot be accomplished in a vacuum, or on an island, so to speak. Nor can it be only alongside those who seem more pleasant to be around or more agreeable. Attached to the Vine, amid many branches, and all through the Vine Grower, there are many ways of bearing fruit as well as many kinds of fruit to bear.

Bearing fruit… extending Love in its many splendid forms to all is the essence in which we are created. It is who we are, who we are called to be, and what we are called to honor. It is to be at all times, and in all places, and most importantly, it is always through the grace of God.

 

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The Greatest Show…

Last night I had the opportunity to see a musical movie that portrayed the rise of P.T. Barnum and showed how his circus came to be. It was both interesting and remarkable to step into the life and times of the main character and those previously hidden, shut out, and silenced, but who came to be at the forefront and an important part of the show. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the movie was how beautifully the uniqueness of each individual came to be celebrated and the spirit that was born out of it.

While it may seem odd to pair a variation of the word “beauty” with the word “circus,” it also seems so relevant. We live in times that can feel like a non-stop circus with all the happenings in today’s world. However, in it all, there is still so much beauty to be found, and to be celebrated.

Through many heated disagreements and debates, especially of recent times, silence is being shattered and a spirit that celebrates the unique and diverse, but more importantly, the authentic, is growing. While the events around us can be upsetting and trying, they can also lead to becoming more in touch with values and beliefs, feeling compelled and moved, and living more deeply, or intentionally. In the chaotic and unexpected (as well as in the humdrum and typical, and everything in between), it is remarkable how present God, the author of creation… the author of diversity, is.

“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” – P.T. Barnum

If God intended for all to be the same, or to be uniform, the ark would not have been a zoo, rainbows would be bland instead of full of color—life, and Jesus would have added to the over 600 Mosaic laws instead of simplifying them and being an example of love, mercy, compassion, acceptance and integrity.

Celebrate individuality; it is part of how the human race was created and it honors God. Encourage truth; it is important to keep it real. Embrace all that is humane and always carry hope, remembering that the heart of God is in each of us.

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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.

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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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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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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.

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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.

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