Breaking free of all that is clutter, To step away can be a struggle. More than noise and expectations, Theories and persuasion. Competing, always competing, Ever disguising might as right. What is it with this clutter, Going round both day and night?
It can be hard and very trying, To move beyond its reach, Or to strive to rise above it.
Yet, sometimes a willing heart, Into the wide and open air, Is all it really takes.
Then, leaning back, to catch a glimpse, And take a breath so deep, It carries inner strength and peace. Filled with hope and gentle wisdom, It’s time to return to what was left behind. Somehow, it’s all the same, But also, very different.
Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. – 1 Cor 10:17
Today, April 22, 2023, as we head into the 3rd Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Earth Day. The earth has been around for over 4.5 billion years, and Earth day? It has been celebrated for 53 years—since 1970.
Despite the comparatively young age of Earth Day, an appreciation for, and the call to honor and preserve the beauty of our planet, nature, and all creation has been ongoing for a far greater time than has been documented. In fact, it’s part of the plan, and path of life. Yet, as with many things, it can become a battle ground… a place for sides to be formed, to rise up against each other, to hold firm, to lose sight, and to stall any attempts at dialogue and resolution, never mind love and mercy.
In the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (Acts 2:14, 22-23; Ps 16:1-2,5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; 1 Pt 1:17-21, and Lk 24:13-35), there lies an invitation to connect more strongly with the path of life as being bigger, and sweeping more broadly, than the circle in which any one individual, or group, travels. So often when we think we know, we don’t. The issues at hand are always more than what we can see, and the way that any one individual may or may not be affected, cannot be used to color the experience of all of humankind. How, after all, is it possible to be open to Divinity, without being open to possibilities?
Turning to Scripture, it seems that those who sought to crucify Jesus, were so sure that he was a threat. It’s clear that His ways were not in line enough with theirs and one can imagine how that might jeopardize their sense of identity, authority, power, and control. We can see how their ability to move in ways that embraced and imbued love, truth, justice, and mercy was hindered by their inability to recognize that they were seeing and acting through their own, limited understanding. There was no room for God on the path to which they were so deeply committed, and this led to them receiving and reacting in fear and seeking even greater control, rather than responding with love.
On the other hand, Jesus, who reacted with love and was inspired by God, could not be held down, even by death.
This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him. But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it. For David says of him: I saw the Lord ever before me, with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted; my flesh, too, will dwell in hope, because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. – Acts 2:23-28
This is the message of our faith, and the model that we are to follow. Our faith and hope is to be placed in God, and doing so, our words and actions will reflect the Way of God. The Way where our eyes are opened and our hearts burn with desire to be in the service of Love, wherever it leads.
On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples requested of Jesus, “Stay with us” (Lk 24:29).
In our striving, we must do the same, and like the disciples, we must also leave room for the breaking of bread and having hearts that are open to receive, with the love of Jesus, whatever may be revealed.
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall
Meet me at the Intersection. You know the place. The one where our wills meet, And where differences are laid aside. The one where hearts meld for all.
Meet me at the Intersection. You know the place. The one where face to face, Our guards recline and fears subside, As we recall the beauty of our Oneness.
Meet me at the Intersection. You know the place. The one, and only One, Where we help each other, And the choices made, Regardless of their ilk, Shine with greater Glory.
Meet me at the Intersection. You know the place. The one where we walk, hand in hand, And there is no wedge between us. Where we recall, together is our destiny.
Meet me at the Intersection, You know the place. For there is no other way, But the Way—open, just, and free, As life, in all its Glory, rises to its fullness.
When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.” – Matthew 21:1-11
Sitting in the audience as the story continues to unfold, there is a scene where one character calls out, asking, will you love me either way? Do you care if I win, or if I lose? Then comes the response, something along the lines of, to be honest, I don’t really care about those kinds of things.
Thinking about this exchange, it’s interesting how importance is assigned and judgments are made that are often based upon our (society’s) lack of understanding. And, in the process, these “ideals” often stir up false notions of what is good, righteous, and true, and even worse, they often fuel fear, in the competition to keep or attain the imaginary security living up to them brings.
The scripture readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent show how these false ideals can lead to fear and judgment and get in the way of actual goodness, righteousness, and truth.
In the first reading (1 Samuel 16:1-13), we learn how David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons, was chosen by God to be anointed by Samuel. Upon encountering Jesse and his sons, Samuel’s assumption is that the one to be anointed will have certain characteristics that could be judged at first sight. However, it is written, “God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The Lord looks into the heart.” (v. 7b). It turns out that the last, and least likely to be judged as the chosen one, is in fact, chosen, and for qualities that cannot be readily seen.
As we go through life, we are constantly subject to judgment based on external values (clothing, education, mode of transportation, location of and type of housing, etc.). We are constantly being marketed to and pulled toward someone else’s notion of how to be and someone else’s definition of success. We also hear so much about first impressions. None of these things, however, really inform anyone of the most important feature of humankind—the heart, or the most important voice—that of the Creator. They are almost always based upon the external, and often look past qualities that convey deeper meaning, value, and purpose.
In Psalm 23, verses 1-6, it is written, “The Lord guides me along the way of righteousness.” (v. 3b). These words encourage us to trust, like David, that the path of righteousness is made known to us through God. If we were to look solely at man-made ideas about what’s important and how to live, depending on where we were and who we were surrounded by, we might be okay, but even if we were, the person or people leading us, would still be susceptible to falling away from what is good, just, and true. So, it’s important to have a relationship with God and to entrust oneself to the One who really knows the way that is best, and whose focus is the well-being of all hearts and souls.
St. Paul expands on this notion in the Letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 5:8-14), when he writes, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.” (v. 8-9).
When we look to the Gospel According to John (chapter 9, verses 1-41), we see the Pharisees, on the surface, defending the faith. However, what they are really defending is a way of operating that breeds fear and judgment and seeks to confine, control, and conform God’s ways to their ways. How do we know this?
Looking at the actions and responses of the Pharisees, we can see how they treat the blind man who was healed, his parents, and Jesus. Their hearts are closed. At one point, they say to the blind man who can now see (because of Jesus), “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” (v. 34). After saying this, they removed the man from their presence. All for answering them truthfully, when he was interrogated for a second time and said, “This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.” (v. 30-33).
During this Season of Lent, it’s a great time to reflect on our words and actions, and with this Sunday’s Scripture passages, an even better time to consider how fear and judgment come into play in what we see and how we respond.
From a young age, one is often taught to pay attention to the weather. When you hear thunder, go inside as rain, wind, and lightning may be near or approaching, if not already there. If there are heavy winds and/or lightning, stay inside and away from the windows, and so on. When there’s snow or sleet, beware of the road conditions—stay home. Most of what is taught about stormy weather is about actively retreating or staying put for one’s own well-being. Yet, sometimes, these efforts can instill fear and anxiety as the motivators for one’s actions.
Considering the state of, or conditions in the world today, the feeling or thought that we are in stormy times, both literally and figuratively, is palpable for so many. At times, it can lead one to retreat or stay put, shrinking, or turning away from active participation in the larger world. And while a certain amount of self-preservation can be good, withdrawal serves one and all best, not only when it is temporary, but also when one is intentional in how that time away is spent, and the choices and actions that result from it.
So, while the times may be stormy, perhaps the storm is perfect. Perfect for taking a step back and noticing for what one’s heart beats. Perfect for contemplating where one is, and where one is moved to be. Perfect for retreating to prayer and reflecting on what the world needs, one’s openness to the invitations of Grace that await, whether amid the storm, on its edges, or in an entirely different relation, and one’s desire to become more aware of what active participation in this stormy world might mean on a personal level, as well as how these storms can be overcome by being held as a meeting place for Jesus.
We often think or speak of the calm after the storm, and it often seems easier to appreciate the beauty of the sun after a rainstorm, or the snow-covered trees when removed from the threat and possible dangers of the driving winds and snow. However, Jesus tells us that he is with us always. Thus, the calm never ceases. It’s up to us though, to nurture our deepest, truest desires, to strive to invite peace into each situation, and to choose to not only look for, but to also navigate in, with, and through Grace. In doing so, we stay connected, our retreating or staying put remains temporary, and brings forth fruit that is lasting. Fruit that is ordained by God, bringing us back into the fold, with greater life, and as unconquered hearts whose actions flow from, and glorify God, and all creation.
Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give me an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give me an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow on me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that may finally embrace you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. – St. Thomas Aquinas
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Mt 5:1-12
In the process of growing up, a sense of right and wrong forms within. It’s based upon lessons learned, whether explicitly taught to one or gleaned from experiences. This sense is accompanied by the development of principles as well as the assignment of value to people, places, and things. Oftentimes this process is impacted not only by one’s immediate environment, but also by one’s community, the broader society, and perhaps, the happenings throughout the world as well. It’s human nature, after all, to derive meaning and to be affected by one’s surroundings and the people, places, and things, to which one is exposed. Hence the saying that one is known by one’s companions.
In chapter one of the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, Paul is imploring the Corinthians to be united in the Lord rather than torn apart by their differences. How poignant for the times we live in today. The wisdom of this Bible passage speaks to us today just as the letter of St. Paul did to the Corinthians. Warning them, and us, that continuing on a path with such great division, serves only to unravel us, and that it is only through unity that we can overcome such a fate. So how do we move toward greater unity?
Most importantly, as St. Paul suggests, we need to return to the truth. Underneath all that divides us, and at the core of all that we are, and all that we can be, is the fact that our meaning and purpose comes from something far greater than any one person or group could ever encompass. We need to recognize when we are being pulled away and distracted from this truth, and to remove ourselves from partaking in any movements that seek to undermine honesty and integrity, in any way. The “win at all costs” mentality that seems so pervasive and accepted in society, needs to be challenged.
This is what St. Paul is talking about when he writes about there being rivalries and urges the people to stop thinking of themselves as belonging solely to one identity over another. This is what causes the great divide, and serves to scatter us, undoing the power and potential of unity.
When we move through the influence of our Oneness, see our differences as being ordained by God, and use them as the bond of perfection that they can be, we are able to come together in ways that value, serve, and work to benefit all of creation, and that give glory to God. When we trust the longings of true love and follow the example of Jesus, pride, prejudice, status, and exclusivity fall away and the unity that results brings greater—lasting—meaning and purpose to our lives than we could ever achieve on our own or within any segment of society seeking its own good over the good of all.
Paul writes, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.”
“The wisdom of human eloquence” would encourage one to find and stay with those around whom one feels most comfortable and identifies most closely. St. Paul is saying, don’t be fooled. He is saying, seek to be in the company of the Lord. Identify, first and foremost, with the Lord, so that you may experience redemption and your life may have direction and meaning that extend beyond the narrow confines of human understanding.
Reflect and pray:
When you contemplate the company you keep, what are some of the values or meaning you derive from your relationship with God and others? Where, and in what ways, do you experience unity?
As you go about your day or your week, what kind of companion are you?
How do expectations come into play with regards to your ability for companionship? And in what ways do you see the Lord as companioning you and vice versa?
When you reflect on the notion of an invitation to be a companion of the Lord awaiting you in all circumstances, what is your reaction or response?
I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you. I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning. – 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17
Into the night and all day too, The glow of lights sprinkled here and there, but really, almost everywhere. This peace, this joy, ever present, Sometimes noticed more than others, Sometimes not at all, Nevertheless, a presence always there. The heart, holding all together, Ups and downs, yeas and nays, Judgments, and lessons learned. Steady in the flow of life, Brave but never brazen. Standard bearer, but more, Usher of truth and light. There through it all, From year to year, And age to age.
Holy Spirit, help us turn the page, As the bells ring, And a new year begins, Renew our listening, Renew our resolve. Show us love, Show us kindness. Bring us peace, Bring us newness. Help us to work with Grace, To change what we need to change, And to carry hope, wherever we go. Help us, bit by bit, to turn our world around.
May God be gracious to us and bless us; may God’s face shine upon us. – Psalm 67:2
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