As we trudge through November, moving steadily toward the end of what has been a tumultuous, pandemic ridden year, we enter into the season of Advent, a time of waiting and watching. What will come of this year? At a time when many of the measures of society appear to be unsettled or at all-time lows, what will be birthed? And, what will be unearthed in the weeks and months that lay ahead?
So much of this past year has turned into waiting and watching across a wide variety of areas (health, employment, housing, food security, finances, education, politics, etc.). Overall, at points along the way, waiting and watching have become like a couple of guests whose stay, long past welcome, has become exhausting.
Stretched beyond thin though, is often the best or most appropriate time to stay strong, listen, and hold on. For it is the precise time in which we are called to remain hopeful and to remember, it is not what is on the outside that matters most, but rather that which comes from within.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’” – Mark 13:33-37
Today is November 21, 2020. It is the 326th day of the year and by day’s end we will be 88.8% of the way toward 2021. For now though, we’re stuck, so to speak, in a leap year. And boy, what a leap it has been!
Looking at the happenings around the world, it seems as if gravity has lost its grip. Collisions are abound! And often with it, sensibility and all that used to be reliable in at least some way, has all but disappeared. These days, unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is raging, but also unfortunately, it is not the only thing raging.
At a time when it can be easy to become bogged down by all that seems wrong in the world, where I live, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving this coming Thursday. However, prior to that, tomorrow is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
How different the world could be, if He were all the rage!
Imagine, words and actions that go beyond the current “rule” of one. Imagine, words and actions that are all about the One, and only One—God.
Thankfully, we literally have the best example ever. So in these strange days that seem to keep getting stranger, look to the Word that is timeless. Look and see the Good Shepherd, the One who not only makes claims, but also backs them up, and simply shows us, one and all, the Way.
When we focus on doing the good we can do, the world, no matter how chaotic it may seem, becomes a better, brighter place, one person at a time.
Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” – Matthew 25:31-46
On a beautiful November day, unexpected warmth saturates the air alongside the noise of rustling leaves, as they are gathered and removed from around the yard. While it is far more idyllic to sit in a much quieter way, with an image… a nearby scene that captures fall inching its way to winter, there is work to be done.
Taking a breath and looking at the leaves, they spread across the lawn, front, side, and back. Another breath, then, at last, the process begins a mess. Making something out of what appears to be nothing or perhaps better said, gathering what is separate and bringing it together. What starts as commotion with each swing of the rake, gradually, slowly turns around. Still leaves… still motion… but nestled now in the stillness of devotion.
A great reminder, the dreams for which one hopes do not fade away. Though the pursuit of them may be on pause, it is often in our patient seeking, Wisdom makes her way, work increases, and True desires deepen.
“Respect your ideals. Dare to dream, but be not an idle dreamer. Dare to do what you dream. Search your heart to know what you most desire to do; then do it, for you can become, by your perseverance, what you long to be.” – Samuel Silas Curry
The snow swept its way into town yesterday. It was hanging onto leaves where it could, perhaps overwhelming branches here and there, and weighing some down—secure, and even to the ground. For others, it seemed, the flakes of snow could not take hold—still blessed though. All around, snow laden leaves… branches, and tints of orange and yellow along with evergreens remained. Some standing, some kneeling, some sitting, some laying down, all in various forms of surrender. Peace… Joy… Light… Life… Grace in every stage.
Grace, the ultimate presentation, always there for the taking, greatest help in decision making.
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.” – Matthew 5:1-12
Entering the wooded path to explore a new place, it seems easy to regard myself as a guest. As such, I am perhaps more mindful (or respectful), and probably more open to appreciating in some way, what lies before me. So often in nature, whether the outdoor or indoor (human kind), the tendency is to see or to remember with greater ease, the extremes. However, in actuality, the majority of what transpires is in between. And in those rare times, when it isn’t, still, nothing is lost, or without value, for the faithful guest who travels with an honest, open heart.
“If God created shadows it was to better emphasise the light.” ― Pope Saint John XXIII
When it comes down to it, although it may be preferred to be the host, across the board and back, the greater good is most often served in the moments of realizing, that we are indeed, the guest.
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. – Psalm 23
From “the greater good” search results of some fellow guests during my lifetime, Presidents 37 through 45…
Remember, always give your best. Never get discouraged. Never be petty. Always remember, others may hate you. But those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself. – Richard Nixon
I have always believed that most people are mostly good, most of the time. I have never mistaken moderation for weakness, nor civility for surrender. As far as I’m concerned, there are no enemies in politics – just temporary opponents who might vote with you on the next Roll Call. – Gerald Ford
We have a tendency to condemn people who are different from us, to define their sins as paramount and our own sinfulness as being insignificant. – Jimmy Carter
Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means. – Ronald Reagan
I take as my guide the hope of a saint: In crucial things, unity; in important things, diversity; in all things, generosity. – George H.W. Bush
We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more. – Bill Clinton
Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power and it is to serve people. – George W. Bush
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort — a sustained effort — to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings. – Barack Obama
When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.’ – Donald Trump
“If God created shadows it was to better emphasise the light.” ― Pope Saint John XXIII
Here and there throughout the years, a woodpecker or two take a liking to the backyard, and then the shed, or even sometimes the house. At that point, paths tangled, it becomes CD time. And so, with fishing line, one by one, the ornaments are hung in hopes of protecting the outside of the shed and house.
Initially, as the CDs inflect, reflect, and deflect the rays of light that shine their way throughout the day, they deter not only the woodpeckers, but also the cardinals, robins, and blue jays that are normally here. However, after a week or so, thankfully, the others seem to remember, or become aware of what is going on, and they return home. Then, looking out from the inside, the backyard is back to the more typical flutter of more inspiring activity.
It is interesting how, whether inside or out, day or night, there is the shimmering of Light, sometimes brighter or more noticeable. Always present though. And, while it drives away some, it draws in others.
Inflecting… reflecting… deflecting… resonating life. Calling to one, calling to all, trust… believe… stay the Path.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. – Psalm 145:18
A couple of summers ago, while visiting family, we decided to go out for ice cream. As we opened the back door of the mini-van, immediately, and with great enthusiasm, the dog jumped in, and was ready to go. Unfortunately, the dog could not come with us, and needed to be escorted back out of the vehicle. As disappointed as he seemed though, when we got back to the house, his excitement upon our reuniting was as if his disappointment or hopes dashed prior to our departure, had never occurred.
It is interesting how dogs, act and react, especially when they are excited. Perhaps, jumping and bouncing, running back and forth, and/or wagging their tails furiously at the approach of a favorite treat or as a loved one returns home. Then there are the other times, when they might plant their paws and growl, preparing to resist, attack, or defend against something non-preferred, or a threat perceived. Regardless of the situation though, what is often most striking is the capacity of dogs to love without abandon.
Moving from wagging tails to wagging fingers, there is the human frailty that causes hearts to bruise, egos to rouse, and hurt to linger. This, all the while, the silent plea, “Come now. Come down off your high horse,” echoes deep within. But, which will win?
Sometimes, it’s time to stop stopping. Stop standing still. When stubborn, yet again, the wagging, it begins. There it is. Getting in the way, determined to carry on, refusing to give in.
At what cost?
So many things, taking up space, too tightly held. How can the space between us do anything, but swell? Wider it becomes… bigger… stronger… bolder it grows. Drifting… fading… falling, tell me, what is so appalling?
One can’t help but wonder, when will this nonsense stop? When will we heed the warning that echoes deep within, “Come now. Come down off your high horse.”?
I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you. – John 13:34
You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting – over and over announcing your place in the family of things. — Mary Oliver, Wild Geese
Among memories of summers past, some of the hotter days rise to the surface. I remember moments, as a child, of hopping from one foot to the other, ooh-ing and ah-ing, while traversing the cement deck or driveway barefoot in route to the cooler green grass on the other side. Along the same lines, there was the trek from the parking lot at the beach, to the water. Whether we entered near a ramp or the stairs leading down to the beach, there was always a tricky section, of varying width and riddled with stones of various sizes or dry shifting sand, to cross before reaching the sand that was flat and smooth and then the water that was cool, and sometimes exhilarating, while at others more serene.
As I think back on these times, equally vivid are the pain and the payoff. There was no way to get from one side to the other without experiencing some level of being uncomfortable and some portion of less or much less than ideal. Yet, the promise of arriving on the other side, the hope of what it held, the lessons learned, and the experience waiting over there, made the effort worthwhile and far outweighed the negatives. It always does.
I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness. – St. Teresa of Calcutta
If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts. – Psalm 95
As each wave comes ashore, along the way it covers all that is lower lying. Sometimes stacking up, it covers higher ground too. Then as it recedes, it pulls back toward the ocean all that is loose or unanchored, leaving a murky mixture of unsettled sand and water behind.
The movement is constant, the intensity waxing and waning, turning motion into commotion at times. Yet, standing in the water, witnessing and experiencing the ebb and flow, toes, then feet and more, under water, swaying… sometimes shifting for better footing, sometimes falling over, but ultimately finding the way, and keeping balance amid conditions of low visibility. So much like the days we are in, so much tossed about, up in the air, or sinking.
Still though, in between the waves, and even within, there is Hope. There are always moments of clarity where despite murky water all around, the anchor, tried and true, still holds, and the floor of sand with its assorted pebbles, rocks, and shells can be seen. For water that moves always comes clean. Always, always, refreshing the soul… renewing the heart.
May God enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call. – Ephesians 1:18
A couple of years ago, I came across this large rock while at a retreat house.
While the word “Peace” is noticeably engraved toward the top of the stone, not so easily seen are the words engraved toward the bottom left side of it. “In verdant pastures He gives one rest.” These words are reminiscent of Psalm 23, which begins, “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.”
At first glance the rock appears to suggest that peace is an uphill battle. However, despite the fact that it may seem that way, both on this rock and at times in life, perhaps more than anything, it is an invitation. One must remember that Peace is not a destination, but rather a companion on the journey.
As we climb the mountain, the Lord is by our side, solid like a rock, firmly in place, and the peace we find depends upon all that we hold in our hearts and to Whom we lean into, as well as in Whom we rest.
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord for endless days. – Psalm 23
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