St. Thomas Aquinas

An Unconquered Heart…

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

Written in the Sky…

Diversity is a gift that can open one’s eyes to varying perspectives and bring to light the beauty of creation in all its different forms. When coupled with a sense of unity; a desire to be united and recognition that we are one, as Love calls us to be, diversity can bring out the best of the human race.

St. Albert the Great wrote, “It is by the path of love, which is charity, that God draws near to man, and man to God. But where charity is not found, God cannot dwell. If, then, we possess charity, we possess God, for ‘God is Charity’ (1 John 4:8).” One of his students, Italian Dominican friar St. Thomas Aquinas, by influence of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, wrote, “To love is to will the good of the other.” Whether Italian or Greek, it’s all the same. We, all humans, are created and called to love, to live in light (not darkness) and to bear witness to both. So then, what is one to do when confronted with or by those who don’t operate this way?

First and foremost, remember the truth. Who am I before God? Then, calling this to mind, stay focused and be faithful, trusting in the goodness of God.

“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
Because of it the ancients were well attested.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

It can be hard to trust and to stay focused when we do not see what we hope to see. All the same though, faith calls me to persevere and persist. And, in turn, if I cooperate, God enables me to do so. It is in this way, that faith beckons me to receive grace upon grace, to be strengthened and filled with hope, allowing me to trust, even when there may not be any physical signs for me to see.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place
that he was to receive as an inheritance;
he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
By faith he sojourned in the Promised Land as in a foreign country,
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
for he was looking forward to the city with foundations,
whose architect and maker is God.
By faith he received power to generate,
even though he was past the normal age
and Sarah herself was sterile,
for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.
So it was that there came forth from one man,
himself as good as dead,
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky
and as countless as the sands on the seashore.” – Hebrews 11:8-12

Abraham focused on being faithful to God. God took care of and provided for Abraham and his descendants. Everything else fell into place…eventually.

writteninthesky