World’s breakneck pace, Stop that race. Put on the brakes. Hungry, greedy sharks, Stop the noise. Stop the thunder. Stop breeding misplaced hunger. We are broken, and run down. Lord, turn us around.
Step off that ladder. Come down from that pedestal. Look up from your work. Sister, help your brother, One and all, help each other. Stand up now, and be fed. Be true, and be led. Lord, bring us around.
Wisdom, seeking Wisdom? The time is right, as always. Be moved to higher ground. Turn it over, and then again. For although we are many, We are not. We are one. So, why not come together? Even better, be united. Lay down sides, Take up faith, not fate, And cry out loud, Lord, turn it around.
But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. – 1 Cor 12:20
While the outside world has so much to offer, sometimes it can feel like too much, making the idea of hiding away in the seclusion of a hermitage or something similar of greater appeal than it might be otherwise. Today, January 15th, is the feast of St. Paul the Hermit who was born and lived in Egypt until he died around the age of 112. Referred to as the “First Hermit,” little information is known of him.
However, what seems of most importance is known. That is, how St. Paul the Hermit became a hermit and how humankind came to know about him. Originally, at the age of 15 and an orphan, he went into a cave seeking refuge during the persecution of Christians, in the year 250 A.D., by Roman Emperor Decius. His intention was to come out of hiding and return home once the persecutions ended.
But, over the course of his time away from humankind, St. Paul found peace as well as a calling to remain in the desert living a solitary life of prayer as a hermit. So how did this information about St. Paul the Hermit come to be known? St. Anthony of Egypt is said to have come across St. Paul along his own journey toward Truth and self-discovery.
It’s interesting how St. Paul the Hermit was called to a life of seclusion, yet still, God called another, St. Anthony, to give witness to his life and death as holy. It’s also intriguing that St. Anthony was led to St. Paul the Hermit in the process of entertaining thoughts of himself as the most enduring hermit in existence… until he met St. Paul.
In the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 12, verses 4-11, St. Paul the Apostle writes about different kinds of spiritual gifts, different forms of service, and different workings that are dispersed to all, individually, but by the same God who creates them, and the same Spirit who brings them to fruition. With God, no one gift, or creation, is above the other, differentiation is by design, all are loved into existence, all are created for unity, and all are equally important.
So, while St. Paul the Hermit and St. Anthony of Egypt had similar callings and different paths, like us, humility is what leads them to a better place.
In everything, it is only through the grace of God that we can lay down human notions; truly understand, appreciate, take care of, and celebrate one another; and thus, partake in the unity—the heart of God– that is Creation.
“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
“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” – Luke 1:45
As the minutes of daylight continue to decline and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere approaches, life in December 2021 does not seem anywhere close to normal. However, it is at these times that opportunity abounds, if only we can meet the challenge of seeking the wisdom of balance and the choices of Light that reside between the stark contrast of opposites. And, while at times, it can seem bigger than life, and the odds improbable, looking to Mary, the Queen of Peace, one can trust it’s not impossible to experience the quiet strength of peace in troubling times.
Mary chooses to embrace the spirit of God, surrender her will and be led by God (Luke 1:26-38). Joseph, her betrothed, makes a similar choice (Matthew 1:18-24). In the eyes of the world, these choices can seem unimaginable. Why would anyone say yes to a choice that is bound to bring such harsh scrutiny, create gossip and skepticism, possible death in those times, and disgrace? Perhaps that’s why it’s never wise to judge a book by its cover. Only God can ever really know the truth of all that’s happening, and only God can ever truly influence choices that are genuinely for the greater good, even when others cannot understand them.
Mary’s “yes” and Joseph’s “yes” are certainly pivotal moments. What led them to being able to discern such choices? How did they know what to do? Sitting with their “yes’s,” the inspiration that can be drawn from them is tremendous, but it is also just the beginning.
In reflecting on what happened in those moments and in all the ones that followed, what is it like to imagine that even though the road did not get any easier, Mary and Joseph made it through not because of their own determination, but because God was with them, and they were led by the light of God?
“Among the tales of sorrow and of ruin that came down to us from the darkness of those days there are yet some in which amid weeping there is joy and under the shadow of death light that endures.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
The above quote seems so apropos for the world of today despite it being written many decades ago. Interesting how in every age there are things about which one can say, what’s old is new, and what’s new is old, or in other words some things are timeless.
Entering the 3rd week of Advent, the readings invite us to avail ourselves of God’s promise,
The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. – Zep 3:17-18a
To step over the darkness of our times,
God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. – Is 12:2
And into the ever-present joy and light of the Lord.
Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:4-7
As we wait in hope for the coming of the Lord, in what ways does the wisdom of God’s word resonate? How is the Spirit of the Lord present in these moments of waiting? In what ways do they create inspiration? And where do they spark peace and love… joy and light?
The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”
Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people. – Luke 3:10-18
It’s said that the owl’s wisdom lies in its waiting, watching, and listening. In its patient, persistent process, its senses are fine-tuned, making it easier to recognize and distinguish between and among things. The owl’s very own nature leads and nurtures the animal, teaching it to tap more deeply into what it genuinely needs to survive and thrive.
This in-born nature that helps the owl to be at its best, also resides within all living things. And when tuned into, exercised, and held onto, it helps all living things to operate at their best, most authentic self. For human beings especially, the task at hand is to sort through and root out all that interferes with this natural, God-given ability.
In the Book of Wisdom, King Solomon shares:
“I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me” – Wisdom 7:7.
While this is a great example of “ask and you shall receive,” it is also an example of the gift of humility. Oftentimes, it is humility that opens the door to wisdom. King Solomon humbled himself, he “prayed” and “pleaded” for wisdom, a gift that no amount of money in the world could buy. Throughout the Bible, and throughout history, there is no wisdom, without humility. For it is a gift that can only be received at the time and place where an open, willing, and humble heart meets the humility of God—unconditional love.
So how does one move toward this place? For starters, perhaps by praying for the grace to become more aware. Kahlil Gibran wrote, “Wisdom stands at the turn in the road and calls upon us publicly, but we consider it false and despise its adherents.”
Thinking about current day events, where do you see wisdom? In what places do you meet unconditional love… truth and peace together?
Looking back to history, Psalm 90 begins:
“A prayer of Moses, the man of God. Lord, you have been our refuge through all generations. Before the mountains were born, the earth and the world brought forth, from eternity to eternity you are God” (verses 1-2).
Wisdom draws Moses’ heart to give voice to God’s faithfulness, and seek God’s help, “Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart,” (verse 12), mercy, “Make us glad as many days as you humbled us, for as many years as we have seen trouble,” (verse 15), and grace, “May the favor of the Lord our God be ours. Prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands!” (verse 17).
When you reflect on the work of your hands, what aspects of God (loving, patient, gentle, kind, honest, peaceful, faithful, life-giving, etc.) resonate in them? When you look at the world around you and the things in which you choose to participate, which ones bring you closer to the image of God, Love, in which you were created? In what ways do you feel inspired by the humility and generative nature of God, for whom all things are possible?
If You don’t build it, we labor in vain, Without Your Spirit, we stand with no strength. I know my life is passing away, but the works of Your hands are what will remain. Let the favor of the Lord rest upon us…
O Lord, establish the work of our hands! O Lord, establish the work of our hands!
Teach us to number the length of our days, Pour out Your power, we’ll pour out Your praise. Teach us to run, to finish the race, for only what’s done in love will remain. Let the favor of the Lord rest upon us…
O Lord, establish the work of our hands! O Lord, establish the work of our hands!
Al – le – lu – ia, al – le – luia, al – le – luia Al – le – lu – ia, al – le – luia, al – le – luia
With the vast array of devastation caused by wildfires on the left side of the United States and hurricane Ida and resulting treacherous weather throughout the right side of the United States, not to mention ongoing multi-faceted struggles around the entire world, it can be easy to fall prey to a sense of doom, regardless of whether one is experiencing dire need, a direct impact, on the fringes of such impact, or farther removed.
On what is a dreary day, on the feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta, it is good to remember that despite the darkness, God is with us amid all these trials and tribulations. Leading the way, before one might even know it. Providing light and love. Lifting spirits, opening minds, increasing the will to help, and strengthening the bond of human hearts toward one another.
Say to the fearful of heart: Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you.
– Isaiah 35:4
“There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.”
I remember as a young student feeling fascinated as I learned all about the human heart, its functions and their importance. I was most amazed by the strength of the heart and its capacity, pumping 2,000 gallons of blood each day throughout the body. It wouldn’t be until years later that my amazement would become even greater in coming to understand the heart’s greatest asset—the rhythm, steady and strong, seeking to draw one closer, revealing God, and yearning not only to keep the connection of love, peace, and healing going, but also to help it to thrive without bounds. As the 13th century Persian poet, Rumi, wrote, “Love is the bridge between you and everything.”
In chapter 7 of the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus says to the Pharisees,
“Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:
This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines human precepts.
You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” (Mk 7:6-8)
Jesus is calling on them to be honest… to look more closely and to see that their hearts are not leading them in union with God. Their love has become misplaced. It is self-serving and focused on what is earthly rather than what is truly, right and just. Their words and actions do not come together to reflect the beauty of God’s goodness—the law that is placed in every heart—dignity, care, and love of all who are placed alongside us whether in location, heart, or mind.
This same love is what the author of the Letter of James is calling people to when he writes,
“Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath,
for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.
Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.
Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” – Jas 1:19-22
No matter where one might be, or the circumstances that exist, Love is the only true hope there is. And while there may be many things that seem beyond reach, or out of control, Love is the anchor that holds us altogether, moves us into action, and brings peace, or peace of mind, strength, truth and justice, never growing cold.
Looking into the world of nature, it can be very easy to come across what makes for a beautiful picture. Whether one’s eye is caught by a single object or multiple ones combining to create a scene that captivates and captures attention, it all starts with posture.
The picture below was taken at the base of a road on the way back down, after having traveled it to the top of a mountain. The way that everything came together and seemed to fall into place in the moments we happened upon it, was rather striking. As we were returning from the summit on a sunny, gorgeous day, the sun was quickly overtaken by fast moving clouds, and as we drove, we moved in and out of brief periods of rain. However, once we reached the base, things looked much brighter. Then, not much further along, we entered the scene. It was like stepping into a painted landscape.
Again, everything—road, rock wall, water, building, sand, trees, and sky—seemed to come together, bringing out the best of what that day and time could offer, and it was perfect. Unity and peace within rising above and beyond turbulence. Not only a pretty sight or precious thought, but also at the heart of faith and faithfulness—the way in which one works, lives, and cooperates with the grace of God, who resides within us, and in whose image, we are all created.
What one carries or holds onto as they journey, quite literally, impacts everything—reception, perception, reaction, response, etc.
Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. – Eph 4:1-6
After what seemed like quite a lot of time walking and winding our way, up, down, around, and through the wooded area embracing the large pond, we arrived at what appeared to be the center of our journey—the resting place. As we moved closer to the main building, designed for respite and a bite to eat, we were greeted by a wooden barrel holding purple and yellow flowers beckoning us to keep the journey going. Bright and beautiful flowers, they drew us—tired, hungry, weary travelers—in and lifted us up, raising the smile in our hearts to our lips and bringing the twinkle back to our eyes.
No matter the circumstances, the conditions along the way, or how far one travels, Peace is always reaching out, working from within, and waiting upon us.
Faith is the road, but communion with Jesus is the well from which the pilgrim drinks. ― Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds hide me. Separated from Thee let me never be. From the malignant enemy, defend me. At the hour of death, call me. And close to Thee bid me. That with Thy saints I may be Praising Thee, forever and ever. Amen.
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