Bound south on a highway, But still looking up, Such a beautiful bridge, Sleek and strong, Yet even it can’t contain the sky. From arc to bow and then its arch, A towering touché, but still, Not missing a pace, It trusts and holds in place, Still, it knows its place.
Continuing south, only now on a byway, Only now, looking out, Such a beautiful scene. Ocean all around, Deep and dark blue, Carrying sparkles of light. Then, a group of rocks Hanging out in the seaweed As it sways with each movement. There’s a smaller one in the middle On which three creatures steadily wait. Still looking out and Taking in a magnificent sight, So peaceful and quiet, Inside and out. Next, I see them looking up. Another touché, but still, Not missing a pace, They trust and hold in place, Still, they know their place.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. – Mt 11:29
It’s challenging, to say the least, to live in a world where tangible assets not only overwhelmingly drive motivation, but also speculation and modes of operation. And even more than that, status and materialism push humankind toward pursuits that are often so far removed from the stirrings and movements of grace that seek to connect and strengthen hearts.
St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote, “For it is not knowing much, but realizing and relishing things interiorly, that contents and satisfies the soul.” Yet, as suggested in Ecclesiastes, the human condition is such that we continue to toil under the sun to know more, do more, win more, and so on. But for what kind of gain? and at what cost?
Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill, and yet to another who has not labored over it, he must leave property. This also is vanity and a great misfortune. For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has labored under the sun? All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation; even at night his mind is not at rest. This also is vanity. – Ecc 2:21-23
Looking around, or tuning in to the pulse of society, one can only wonder, with that beat, what kind of “more” will ever be enough? And in the process, what happens to the hearts involved? There’s ebb and flow of course, but in what ways and to what degree do they drift? And at what point does the unfamiliar become all too familiar?
Turning to Psalm 95, the psalmist writes, “If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” Before that, a call to turn back to the One who knows.
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. – Ps 90:12
Remember, ask and you shall receive. However, as always, there’s choice in how one responds.
St. Paul urges us forward, let go of that which binds one to the earth and drags one down. Instead, be grounded to, as well as through, that which is elevated and fulfilling in a far greater way.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. – Col 3:1-2
Be true… be not only baptized into Christ, but also put on Christ. Think about it. How does the heart and mind of Christ infuse your soul? How does it influence choices as you face challenges and navigate this world?
In the Gospel according to Luke (chapter 12:13-21), Jesus tells the parable of the rich man who had such a surplus at harvest that he replaced his barns with even bigger ones so he could essentially rest on his laurels and live off all that he had store up. While this parable can lead one to reflect on possessions and sharing or helping others from what one has, it can also be a catalyst to considering more closely how one’s pursuits affect the fabric of one’s being. Aside from the tangible, from what has one’s heart moved away? To what has one’s heart moved toward? And most importantly, where is God in all of that?
Spending the better part of the week surrounded by a plethora of books and various other media, it’s interesting to think about the variety of characteristics held within, as well as characters passing through, a public library.
Looking at the rows upon rows of books that are all around, it’s hard not to be fascinated by the fact that there’s always more to learn. This is not as in a conquest, but rather as in an opportunity, if one is open to it. And even more than that, no matter how vast, neatly ordered, and organized the books and other media may be, the contents of them serve everyone best, only when contemplated and taken into consideration with the range of human experience and love, and the knowledge it imparts into one’s heart.
Frequently viewed as a destination for those searching knowledge, know-how, a place to work, or a group of one sort or another, the library is also a place for those seeking shelter from outside. However, regardless of the time of day or reason for entering, when the library is open, none are turned away. Instead, they are welcome to come in as they are, and become a unique part of the inviting, peaceful environment. Imagine that in a place full of books!
Sometimes we think we know, but until we seek to look beyond the distortions, we honestly cannot.
Recently, I took a trip to roam. Yet, I found myself surrounded by lots of moving pieces and it was hard not to get caught up in the pace around me. In a crowded space, quick not being quick enough, too many I’s to dot, too many T’s to cross, and seemingly no time or place for pause. But then, oftentimes there isn’t, until the room for it is made.
“The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.” – Rumi
How tempting it can be sometimes to fall into place and do as others do, or conversely, step out of line and walk away. However, what often gets lost is the balance that allows for the ground that is known as middle. It is the place where things are less extreme, grips and grasps are loosened, and real freedom is experienced. Not beholden to what is less than, the middle is the place that gives permission for mind and heart to meet, and for the soul to connect. And only then, in action there is peace.
“…it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.” – Dt 30:14
There was darkness all around. Not a sound, but that of waves gently breaking, making their way across the sand and rocks, back and forth, to and from. Not a sight, until the sun began its approach, gradually awakening the sky, before peeking up over the horizon.
Then what a sight. Silhouette or shadow? May be solo, but not alone. Freely flying, but in a line, parallel, heart of purpose and direction. Gliding, steady, peaceful, true in its presence… in its likeness… Silhouette.
“I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.” – Rev 21:22-23
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?
Tomorrow, March 20, 2022, is the vernal equinox, giving those of us in the Northern Hemisphere an even split between day and night and marking the beginning of spring. It’s not often we experience such balance in a day. In fact, it only happens twice a year on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, and given the pace of life, the light of these days likely slips by without much notice.
The thing that’s interesting though, is as with many happenings in the natural world around us, there’s a message or lesson they hold. The vernal equinox can serve as a concrete example to not only bring equity and balance to heart and mind, but also perhaps to provide an experience we can all relate to, no matter where we are, and in doing so, on some level, restore a sense of harmony.
Take some time to absorb what is often the background as we go about each day—nature. Bring it to the forefront. Next, as you look around, consider your life. Where do you find balance and harmony? In what ways do you experience the Lord as kind and merciful in the hours of both the day and night? How are you inspired?
Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts, Who pardons all your sins, and heals all your ills, Who redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with mercy and compassion, Who fills your days with good things, so your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord does righteous deeds, brings justice to all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, to the Israelites his deeds. Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger, abounding in mercy. He will not always accuse, and nurses no lasting anger; He has not dealt with us as our sins merit, nor requited us as our wrongs deserve. – Psalm 103: 1-10
Looking out the window, branches all around. Open arms holding up the snow, or the snow resting on open arms? Both clinging to each other, or one melting into the other? Does it really matter? Still, looking out the window. Still, branches upon branches. Some sturdier than others, some swaying more than others. Does it really matter? More looking out the window, at those branches and that snow. Through it all, they just keep gently staying. Perhaps, that’s all that really matters.
Shine like lights in the world as you hold on to the word of life. – Phil 2:15d,16a
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
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