Looking out across the way, noticing the strokes with which nature paints the scene before my eyes, I am captivated. The variations of color and light both hold their own and come together. A symphony embracing one another, yet at the same time providing the contrast that makes it fully come alive. Ripples in the sky, and ripples down below. With all that is going on, it’s interesting how all these differences join to form a work of beauty, instead of tearing at each other, or falling all apart.
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. – 1 Cor 12:13
Watching as the branches fill in, flowers blossom, pollen wafts through the air, and Spring burgeons and unfolds, there is a sense of awe. In the Book of Revelation, it is written, “The One who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” (Rev 21:5a). Not some things, or only certain things, but all things. Thinking about this, I cannot help but consider this concept further and ask, “Am I open to all things being made new by God?”
The flowers grow and open, pretty much wherever they are planted. And certainly, there are some conditions necessary for their maturity and well-being—light, water, nutrients, and some level of protection from harsher elements and realities. However, the things vital to their growth can be found or seep in even in unexpected places, and overall, flowers grow where they will.
In chapter 14, verses 21-27, of the Acts of the Apostles, we continue to learn of the experiences of Paul and Barnabas as they travel on, inspired by their discipleship desire. Their journey leads them back to Antioch, the place of resistance from where they were expelled in chapter 13.
It is written:
“From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now accomplished. And when they arrived, they called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” – (verses 26-27)
Imagine. God called them to something more, launching something new from the very place that was not open to receiving them at the time. It turns out God had somewhere else in mind for them. How did they react or respond?
Paul and Barnabas were willing to let go of their notions and allow themselves to be led to other territories where they not only experienced what God had in mind, but also deepened their faith. Eventually, they were led back to Antioch, where, because of God who makes all things new, they were able to meet resistance with something more, something stronger, faithful witness to the Glory of God.
So just as flowers grow where they will, so too Paul and Barnabas… so too us. If we are open to it.
On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, we read about the experience of Paul and Barnabas touching the hearts of the Gentiles (perhaps seen as the outsiders) while enraging those considering themselves more as chosen, but of a different persuasion. Things seem to get off to a good start, but then the atmosphere changes. However, despite the change to an overwhelmingly inhospitable environment, the disciples hold firm to the Way even as they are being thrown out of Antioch. We read, “So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium” (Acts 13:51).
It’s interesting that Paul and Barnabas left Antioch, a city whose name means, “resistant, holding out against” and went on to Iconium, which means “City of the Image,” where they were more well-received, at least for a little while, before being led on to other territories. As with Jesus, with the disciples, there is always room for choice; they do not practice coercion.
We also read in this section of Scripture, “The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:51-52). What a combination! What’s it like to consider this disposition on the heels of them being expelled from Antioch? In what ways do you see the influence of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in the reactions and responses of Paul and Barnabas, and their willingness to be led by the will of God, which is not rigid, and they cannot, and do not, know ahead of time?
In the Gospel according to John, Jesus says:
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” – Jn 10:27-30
Contemplating the Gospel as the living Word of God, if someone told you a story about an inhospitable experience, perhaps one that caused them to pick up and leave, how would you receive what they shared? What if their experience occurred in a place where your experience was more, or only, positive? How open would you be to giving an honest look to the situation? And what would you be most interested in learning about their experience?
Keeping in mind, we are all created in God’s image, and we all belong to the sheepfold, how do you accept the invitation to trust that the same God who loves you, loves them, and that the same God who guides you, guides them, even if their choices and experiences may not be the same as yours?
In what ways, are your responses to people and situations a reflection of the Good Shepherd, and a heart that is filled with joy and the Holy Spirit?
Paul and Barnabas continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered the synagogue and took their seats. Many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God.
On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.”
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. – Acts 13:14, 43-52
Recall an experience of bumping into someone that you know, in a place and at a time that you normally wouldn’t expect to see them? Initially, you might be surprised for good or less, or perhaps it might take a few moments to fully recognize the person. Maybe some memories of them come to mind.
Next, imagine that you kept encountering that same person over the course of several weeks. What would you think? What would you feel?
Now envision being one of Jesus’ disciples and having the experience of Jesus’ appearing to you, here and there, in the time between his Resurrection and Ascension. How would you react or respond after the profound experience of his crucifixion, his Resurrection, and being in the environment of belief and disbelief created by it all?
Would you be devoted to trying to see a pattern to Jesus’ appearances to try to predict when you might see him next? Would you commit yourself to trying to figure out the reasons why he was appearing? How hard would you work to come to some sort of knowledge about these occurrences? In what ways would you characterize your approach?
Focusing more closely on Jesus and his third appearance at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21), how determined would your mind be, and how open would your heart be, to the presence of Jesus who is in the form of the person on the shore, unknown and at a distance? How about to yourself or the person on the shore, thought of as being known? Would you cast the net again? What would you discover?
Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. – Jn 21:3-7
In what ways do you allow Jesus to be present to you in the unexpected? In what ways do you invite Jesus to help you to be present, to hold situations up to the light, to receive God’s wisdom so that you can embody the thoughts and feelings needed not only to embrace the moment, but also to receive and recognize the grace it holds, and how to share it?
Sometimes, there are so many questions, and it can seem like so much work. Yet, as April turns to May and the Feast of St. Joseph The Worker arrives, so also does the opportunity to experience not only the light of longer days, but also renewal through the touch of Grace—peace, light, hope, and inspiration—that continues to blossom with the Easter season, and beyond.
How does grace touch and move your heart? And how is it reflected in your work?
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
In chapter 13, verse 34 of the Gospel according to John, Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” And, throughout the Gospels, there are many examples of Jesus’ love shown through his words, actions, reactions, and responses. Yet, to love as Jesus loved, can be very challenging, and maybe even feel impossible at times.
However, in the First Letter to the Corinthians (15:45-49), St. Paul really puts the focus on the keys to unlocking the ability to love as Jesus did. In comparing the first Adam to the last Adam (Jesus), St. Paul puts a reminder out there to not get caught up in the things of the world. The things that are material or mainly have to do with personal gain, in the end, will be immaterial. Furthermore, like with Adam and Eve, these things have a way of distorting our vision and pulling us away from the spirit of God.
So, too, it is written, the first man, Adam, became a living being, the last Adam a life-giving spirit. But the spiritual was not first; rather the natural and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, earthly; the second man, from heaven. As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly, and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one. – 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
St. Paul is saying, remember the truth of who you are, and stay connected to it. There is no loving as Jesus did, without being able to embrace the grace of God in whose image we are created. There is no loving as Jesus did, without the spirit of God helping us to strip away the human inclination toward the world’s view of any situation or thing. It is only through the grace of God, that we can be authentic, operating in the image of God that we are, seeing beyond the haze to what really matters, and then proceeding to receive and respond to the world around us from the place that is eternal.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
As the minutes pass and the hours turn toward Valentine’s Day, flowers, cards, candies, and more are scooped up and distributed as gifts from one heart to another. So many thoughts and sentiments, varying degrees of affection and dedication expressed through things symbolizing love and care. What a great time to think about relationships, objects reflecting one’s dedication, and how, underneath it all, perhaps sometimes lost, is the Divine. After all, how else might one consider, or be reminded, that there’s more than me, myself, and I, and my concerns?
Broadening the scope, throughout the history of humankind, it would be fair to say that lasting relationships are built upon the ability to be present, a movement of the heart, and a sense of connection and trust. The capacity for each, placed in every being from inception and created to be held as well as extended—a full circle, inclusive kind of thing between and among the Creator and the created. Beautiful, and rightly so, when rightly exercised. However, when those elements disintegrate, for whatever reasons, relationships crack and crumble. And frequently it seems, sides are formed, heels are dug in, and maybe even enemies declared. What for? And, what’s the source of that?
Still though, despite any disturbances or folly along the way, there is always what is Divine. It is the place where faith resides, truth is revealed, and all is known. The place where H is for Hope in God, the One and Only, where love is what truly matters and is nurtured, and where everything else can be put aside, and laid to rest.
As the minutes pass and the hours turn toward Valentine’s Day, take time to remember and to be inspired by the hope and love of God, and the ways in which it is extended not only in and through you, but also to you. How can you nurture it, and be nurtured by it?
We are all meant to be mothers of God. What good is it to me if this eternal birth of the divine Son takes place unceasingly, but does not take place within myself? And, what good is it to me if Mary is full of grace if I am not also full of grace? What good is it to me for the Creator to give birth to his Son if I do not also give birth to him in my time and my culture? This, then, is the fullness of time: When the Son of Man is begotten in us. – Meister Eckhart
Mind over matter, What difference does it make? The set of one’s mind, May toggle or break, Or yet even worse, Get stuck in one place.
Heart in the matter, What difference does it make? The set of one’s heart, When inspired by God, Finds purpose, builds faith, Sings praises, gives faith.
One cried out to the other: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! All the earth is filled with God’s glory!” – Isaiah 6:3
According to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, “No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth.” This certainly seems the case for Jesus in chapter 4, verses 21-30 of the Gospel according to Luke. In fact, Jesus expands upon this observation. Not only does the truth and those who speak it, tend to garner disdain or be less than popular, but this is kicked up a notch, often occurring with greater intensity and less receptivity, the closer to home one is.
In this passage, Jesus gives two examples for his fellow Nazoreans to ponder. First, there is the widow in Sidon. What is it that led Elijah to her and her son, saving them from a sure death during the great famine? Second, there is Naaman the Syrian, who was cleansed of leprosy. How is it that Elisha was sent to Naaman rather than one of his own people suffering from leprosy?
After taking great offense at Jesus’ words (“No prophet is accepted in his native place”) and examples, the crowd seeks to extinguish him. One can only wonder if anyone in the crowd was able to step back and further consider the situation and what had transpired. Were they able to remove themselves from the sting of the truth long enough to recognize that their anger was misdirected, and to move toward healing and greater peace?
In today’s volatile and often chaotic world, it can be easy to choose a side or make a judgment and cling to it. However, oftentimes, in doing so, it can also be easy to become rigid, and to lose sight and insight into what really matters. Not only that, but also to possibly overlook Grace, which is always revealing itself in ever-changing and evolving ways.
In chapter 4 of the Gospel according to Luke, Jesus was inviting the people of Nazareth toward greater faith and into a new way of being. He is calling us in the same way today, reminding us that we cannot receive God, who made the earth and all that inhabits it, if we are not willing to change and receive the grace of a still greater way.
For true life does not occur where the air is stale and stagnant, and where all cannot breathe, but rather where it is new, fresh, and flowing free.
Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away. – Luke 4:21-30
“The heart’s affections are divided like the branches of the cedar tree; if the tree loses one strong branch, it will suffer but it does not die. It will pour all its vitality into the next branch so that it will grow and fill the empty place.” – Khalil Gibran
The cedar trees of Lebanon are known for characteristics such as their strength, beauty, and fragrance. They are also named in various Bible passages. In Psalm 29, they are referred to amid verses that describe the voice of God. However, in these verses, they are not described in terms of their beauty, fragrance, or formidable strength, but rather in terms that focus on and describe the strength of God’s voice.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is power; the voice of the Lord is splendor. The voice of the Lord cracks the cedars; the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon… – Psalm 29:3-5
What’s striking here though, is that the nature of God’s voice, or God’s will, is much more than the power to crack and splinter the magnificent cedar tree. Not only does God break through and penetrate the tree, or whatever it may be, but as described in the verse that follows,
Makes Lebanon leap like a calf, and Sirion like a young bull. – Psalm 29:6
God opens and escorts the way to joy and newness (or fullness) of life, making it possible for something greater and more meaningful to come to the surface. And in this process, although there may be suffering, there is not death, for what is born of God is eternal.
In this new year, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, as God’s beloved, striving to listen to the voice of God in turbulent times, let us pray for the wisdom and strength to follow the example of Jesus, with a desire to be led by the grace of God, and to learn how to rise from the splinters of all that is broken.
When the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:4-7
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