The Season of Advent and its related Scripture remind us of the twists and turns that life can take for anyone. They also provide an opportunity to see the faithfulness and goodness of God. In addition, they exemplify how being faithful to God involves being open to ways or paths that may differ, sometimes greatly, from the ones we may have planned or imagined for ourselves.
Take some time to think about what it has been like in the past for you to accept or make changes to the plans, ideas, and/or notions you have envisioned. What is it like in the present?
We all have things we would like to accomplish and look for ways, or paths, to do so. However, in proceeding in earnest and with good intentions as we strive, we can become mixed up when we don’t leave room for, can’t see, or are not open to the possibility of change(s) as being needed and for the better good. So when the twists and turns come, we can become even more attached to our own intentions and the ways we planned to accomplish them, instead of allowing the grace of God to help us to be open to making an adjustment or being open to a different way.
Sometimes, interference and the unexpected can push our buttons in ways that can make us behave as less than what we are… what we were created to be—beings in the image of God. When this happens, we can lose sight of the wideness of God, and the depth of God’s love, compassion, and mercy.
What are some memories you have of times when you met change, unexpected challenges, and/or uncertainty with a quiet calmness? How do those times compare to ones where, perhaps, quiet calmness and peace gave way to unrest?
Stand with the Lord at the threshold between the times of peace and the times of unrest that you’ve recalled. Ask Jesus to unveil the place(s) where maybe you couldn’t sense his presence or take direction, as well as the place(s) where you could. Express to the Lord your gratitude and your desire to remember whatever he wants you to hold onto from these instances as you enter the Advent Season and look to prepare for Christmas.
Make known to me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths. – Psalm 25:4
Today is the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The response for the Psalm is, “The Lord is King; he is robed in majesty.” (Psalm 93:1a). Take some time to reflect on this. What is this King like?
As you continue to envision the Lord as King, think about what you have learned about Jesus through both Scripture and experience. How has his majesty impacted your life, and influenced your choices?
In today’s Gospel (John 18:33b-37), Jesus is being interrogated by Pilate. This is after Peter has denied knowing Jesus for the third time and the cock has crowed.
In response to Pilate asking, “Then you are a king?”, Jesus replies,
“You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” – John 13:37
Think about how Jesus testifies to the truth—to God—in his life, through his words and actions, and the choices he makes. What do you admire most about Jesus? And how does he inspire you?
Mindful of being someone who belongs to the truth, robed in majesty, and continuing to hold onto the qualities of Jesus that you admire and are inspired by, consider how you are listening to Jesus’s voice in today’s world, by entering into a conversation with Jesus. Invite him to show you the ways in which you are listening to his voice. Ask him to reveal any blind spots that may be interfering with your ability to listen and/or creating misunderstanding of his voice and to what it testifies.
After a sufficient period of time, when the conversation has run its course, what is your prayer to Jesus as you prepare to go forth?
Now, giving Jesus the last word, what is his prayer for you?
The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty. – Psalm 93:1a
In the Gospel passage for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 13:24-32), Jesus says, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.” (v. 24). These words are part of his response to a question asked of him by the disciples, Peter, James, John, and Andrew.
Away from the others, and just after Jesus commented to his disciples on the destruction of the temple, they had asked him, “Tell us, when will this happen, and what sign will there be when all these things are about to come to an end?” (Mark 13:4). The first thing that Jesus says to them is, “See that no one deceives you.” (Mk 13:5). As he continues to tell them the signs and what will happen (trials and tribulations such as war, persecutions, etc.), he also continues to give them instructions as to how to handle themselves and the situations they will face. He says:
“… do not be alarmed” (v. 7)
“Watch out for yourselves.” or be aware (v. 9)
“… do not worry beforehand about what you are to say. But say whatever will be given to you at that hour. For it will not be you who are speaking but the holy Spirit.” (v. 11)
“Be watchful!” (v. 23)
Then he says these words that are part of the Gospel for today, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.” (v. 28). And although Jesus says this as he continues to tell Peter, James, John, and Andrew about the signs that will occur at the end times, the gospel passage ends with Jesus saying, “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (v. 32). In other words, perhaps Jesus is reminding us not to focus on the signs, but rather to focus on his instructions.
His last instruction, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree,” is intriguing. In chapter 11 of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus curses a fig tree for being fruitless:
“The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, ‘May no one ever eat of your fruit again!’ And his disciples heard it.” (Mark 11:12-14).
In this earlier passage, there is a mention of time, “… it was not the time for figs.” And now, when Jesus is telling some of his disciples about the signs of the end times and instructing them on how to be prepared, he again, refers to figs and time (and not knowing the exact time of the end).
A few interesting things about figs and time… Fig trees, like other fruit trees, have leaves, but unlike other fruit trees, their fruit flowers internally. Also, each fig contains a collection of many flowers and seeds. And while one may think of a fig as a piece of fruit, they are actually an infructescence—a multiple fruit—that in a sense, is always in the process of blooming.
So, in both times of uncertainty and times of comfort, see that no one deceives you, do not worry, and learn from the fig tree, continuing to grow from within, knowing that the fruit will come at the time that is appointed.
“Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you have made my destiny secure.” – Psalm 16:5
Looking out at leaves on the ground, An assortment… a wide array, wind-blown to and from, As they work their way all around, Until eventually, in piles, they all become. Looking up at leaves on the trees, Swaying back and forth, hanging on, But all, together, moving with the breeze. Leaves on ground, and leaves on trees, Gathering, gathered, with needles of pine showing in between. Down to earth and heart to Heart, Source of all, keeping faith and hope alive. Life; living, lived, passing through, From one season to another, born anew.
Shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the word of life. – Philippians 2:15-16
In The Return of the Prodigal Son, Henri Nouwen wrote, “Both trust and gratitude require the courage to take risks because distrust and resentment, in their need to keep their claim on me, keep warning me how dangerous it is to let go of my careful calculations and guarded predictions. At many points I have to make a leap of faith to let trust and gratitude have a chance. The leap of faith always means loving without expecting to be loved in return, giving without wanting to receive, inviting without hoping to be invited, holding without asking to be held. And every time I make a little leap, I catch a glimpse of the One who runs out to me and invites me into his joy, the joy in which I can find not only myself, but also my brothers and sisters.”
Take a moment now to reflect on where you’ve experienced the Lord this past week and to what degree trust was involved. How did or does your experience help you to trust or to have faith, placing hope in the Lord with regards to a situation(s)? What happens when you bring areas in which your trust has possibly shifted away, back into prayer and back to the Lord?
Continuing to contemplate your experience, what qualities or characteristics that you associate with the Lord, are most noticeable? And how do these same qualities inform, influence, and inspire you and your choices?
The Gospel for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 10:46-52) begins in a sea of people, from within which, Bartimaeus, the blind man, is calling out to the Lord. And despite others around him telling him to stop and to keep quiet, he keeps calling out, “Son of David, have pity on me!” (v. 48).
Imagine what Bartimaeus might be holding in his heart as he’s trying to get Jesus’ attention? How about Jesus? What might be in his heart as he navigates through the crowd? What qualities do they each seem to have that might be informing, influencing, and inspiring them? What do each of them seem to be focused on?
Next, notice how Jesus receives and responds to Bartimaeus, the blind man who has let his guard down and opened himself up to both chance and Grace.
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. – Mk 10:49-52
Jesus is essentially saying: I’m here and I’m listening… I see you… I hear you… Come closer… Tell me more. And Bartimaeus, by coming closer and sharing more with Jesus, is able to receive peace, healing, and greater faith.
Take whatever you are focused on, to Jesus, the One who is, who was, and who will ever be—here for you, listening to you, seeing and hearing you, and always saying, come closer, tell me more.
Then, after a period of sharing and listening, envision Jesus saying the same to you as he did to Bartimaeus, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.”
The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. – Psalm 126:3
Walking past crates of pumpkins and gourds at a local farm, the different colors and shapes are stunning. It’s interesting to think that such variety can grow out of the seemingly blah ground. Yet, when examined more closely, the soil, although drab compared to its yield, is actually quite diverse and multidimensional, holding various nutrients necessary to growth.
Turning to the readings for the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are provided with an invitation to contemplate the relationship and impact of prayer, openness to Wisdom, and placing hope in God on environment and yield.
First, in the Book of Wisdom, we are encouraged to seek Wisdom above all else. It is written:
I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, nor did I liken any priceless gem to her; because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, and I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep. Yet all good things together came to me in her company, and countless riches at her hands. – Wisdom (7:7-11
Notice how the passage begins with praying and pleading, or in other words a humble posture. Not only that, but there is also the choice to seek Wisdom as well as to abide by it; this is further described throughout the passage. However, to be open to Wisdom, one must be open to the possibility that things are not what they seem or that there might be a better way. In addition, one must also be willing to loosen the grip, or let go of other notions, even if just temporarily, so as to allow Wisdom to shine the Light and make things clear.
In Psalm 90, the Psalmist also writes of Wisdom, reminding us of its source—God’s kindness (love)—and characteristics as well as its impact—prosperity through God’s grace.
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. Make us glad, for the days when you afflicted us, for the years when we saw evil. Let your work be seen by your servants and your glory by their children; and may the gracious care of the Lord our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! – Psalm 90:12-17
Although we cannot control the timing and placement of Wisdom, we can pray and plead for it, be aware of its characteristics, and open ourselves to it, and the graces it holds. In the Letter of St. Paul to the Hebrews, we are reminded of the power of God’s word.
Brothers and sisters: Indeed the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. – Hebrews 4:12-13
As human beings, our natural tendency is to fall into wanting to possess (control) or to fall into being possessed (controlled) by or too attached to things. However, God is not subject to this Achilles heel of ours. God, and God’s word, is “living and effective” because God is not bound, tied up, or confused, like we can be. Rather, God is all-knowing and constantly evolving, adjusting, and adapting to meet us where we are. This is not to inflict punishment or take away freedom, but to lift us up and fill us with an abundance of love and mercy, making the way for Wisdom to help us see clearly, and to use our free will to operate and navigate this world with love and mercy.
Looking at the Gospel passage for this week, we are reminded that faith and faithfulness to God not only extends beyond oneself, but that they also require flexibility and an openness to change, which is hindered when attachments to people, places, or things, outside of God exist.
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” – Mark 10:17-27
In the passage above, the man who approaches Jesus likely finds a great deal of security and comfort through his possessions, so much so that he walks away. In what ways can you understand how the man’s attachment prevents him from talking more with Jesus, or even asking Jesus for help? Notice how Jesus acknowledges that what he asked the man to do is not easy. Take some time to share with Jesus any challenges you may be facing with sharing the wealth—whether it is in the form of making a sacrifice to actively show care and concern for those in need, sharing something that you’re carrying all on your own and is weighing you down, or something else you’ve refrained from bringing to Jesus. Envision yourself as the man who walked away, and then, turn back around and bring yourself and your concerns back to Jesus.
We all have struggles, challenges, and hardships, yet at the same time, life and prosperity, and so many signs of it, also occur. It’s not an all or nothing, one way or the other, too late kind of world, but rather, it’s a world created by a God who is broadminded, far-reaching, for whom nothing is impossible, showing care and concern for everything and everyone, who tells us, place your hope in me, because, with me, anything is possible.
The Gospel acclamation for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time is, “If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is brought to perfection in us.” (1 John 4:12). Take some time to consider this verse.
What are the things that you heard and saw this past week that caught your attention? What values, notions, and ideas did they express?
It can be tempting to rush toward opinions and judgments based on listening to and watching what others are doing, what they have to say about situations, and about what’s happening in society and throughout the world. Not only that, but also to not really take time to honestly consider, reflect on, and discern the values being represented.
It can also be easy to be drawn in by a thing or two that may seem of the utmost importance, only to be swept up and moved along without recognizing movement away from values, expressed notions, and ideas that truly align with and promote the sentiments of Love.
In the coming days try to notice the words and actions to which not only your ears and eyes are exposed or drawn, but also your heart. What is stirred inside of you? and how are these things a reflection of Love?
Continuing to take these things to prayer, seek to see them as God sees them.
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
From where chaos comes, Base passion and design, Stirring ill will, division, Seeds sowing lies. Looking, always looking, To seep and settle in.
From where chaos spreads, Human passions and designs, From what we, as masters, embrace, What we give into, And what we withstand.
From where peace comes, Divine passion and design. Love weaving in and out, Through time and space. Ushering good tidings, Encouraging good will.
From where peace spreads, Human passions and designs, From what we, as servants, embrace, What we give into, And what we withstand.
“Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace.” – Albert Schweitzer
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. – James 3:16-18
In the Gospel passage for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mk 7:31-37), the people of a village bring a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment to Jesus and plead with him to lay his hand on him. What do you think made the people of the village do this? The deaf man could see, after all, and he could have found his own way to Jesus and asked for himself. What do imagine caused the people to get involved on the deaf man’s behalf? What are some things that lead you to get involved on the behalf of others?
We also read in this passage that Jesus “took him [the deaf man] off by himself away from the crowd.” (v. 33). Perhaps to remove the noise and distractions? Perhaps to engage in a more personal way with the man? Or maybe it was something else.
In the Scripture passage prior to this one, Jesus is trying to step away from the crowds when he is approached by the Syrophoenician woman asking for her daughter to be healed (Mk 7:24-30). This occurs after he has responded to the Pharisees questioning his disciples’ behavior; where Jesus replied in part, “Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” (Mk 7:15). Considering this teaching and carrying it forward into Jesus’s interactions with the Syrophoenician woman and the deaf man, reflect on the way he receives and responds to people, situations, and what’s going on around him.
How do you receive people, situations, and what’s going on around you? What inner attitudes or dispositions do you carry into interactions? What’s going on in your heart, and how does it affect your response?
Coming back to today’s Gospel Jesus says, “Ephphatha!” (“Be opened!”), and as a result, the deaf man can hear, and his speech impediment is gone. He is healed from his affliction through Jesus’s command, or call, to openness. So why then, does Jesus tell the man not to tell anyone? And how might this fit in with the idea of evangelization?
Maybe Jesus is calling us to be open to what’s going on around us and what God is trying to tell us as individuals, to further open and transform one’s own heart toward greater understanding and compassion. And with that, reminding us that evangelization comes through the grace of God and at times is aided, or complemented, by kind and loving hearts that are both fluid with and fixated on God.
Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. – Isaiah 35:4
With each breath, life. Stepping forward Into the fresh, cool air. That feeling in the air, It’s all around. Rock of ages, For the ages, From the ages. Layer upon layer, Lines of grandeur. Moments of mist, Moments of majesty. Sounds of water flowing, Then its rush within sight. Rolling over, dripping down, Passing through, Gentle like the breeze. Invigorating, enthralling, Comforting, to the soul, Soothing to one’s spirit.
HopeThatFloats 
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