“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
Looking up into the darkness, preparing for the show that is about to begin, and “knowing” what is to come. Fireworks on New Year’s Eve or Day is a longstanding tradition around the world. Their origin is as a part of practices meant to ward off evil spirits, driving them away with loud booms and flashes of light. In our times, fireworks can be startling, but most often they bring a sense of both awe and knowing.
Passing from one year to the next, it seems so natural to think in terms of progression. Where have I been? Where am I going? And while human nature tends to lean toward the notion of being in control, it also often leans toward a kind of mapping and planning that can take one away from the heart and light of creation, and life’s true meaning.
Life like fireworks, our expectations so great. Hearing booms followed by colors and rays of light. Looking for a magnificent display each time, each year, bigger and better than before, A man-made quest.
In the process, we stretch and strive. All caught up, are we really rising above, going beyond, settling down, or drifting into the air, as trails of smoke?
While soaring and shining, what do we leave behind in the dust, are we led, or are we leading, and what do we carry with us?
Be humble for you are made of earth. Be noble for you are made of stars. – Serbian proverb
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. – Matthew 2:1-12
For many Christians the crescendo of what it means to be Christian is celebrated with great veracity around Christmas, and then again around Easter. Preparing to celebrate Christmas, we read and listen to Gospel passages, finding inspiration, hope, solace, and more, as we envision the journey of Mary and Joseph, and the birth of Jesus. Yet, with every liturgy or service throughout the year, we celebrate and are reminded of God’s love for us, the example of Jesus, and the call to discipleship. And all year long, we profess our belief that throughout the ages, from the beginning of time, there is one Word, one God, one Way, and one People.
At Christmastime, may the heightened awareness of Love (God) in our hearts bring us together to a place where we become blind to all that separates and pulls us apart. Instead, may we see one Light, one Truth, one Story as we celebrate the birth of our Lord. And, as God’s generosity comes alive for us, may we welcome it to the inn, allowing it to abound within and all around, melting the ties that otherwise bind us to “other,” away from God and one another.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:1-14
Many years ago, before GPS, I was on my way to a meeting, when I encountered road construction and a detour from the route I was supposed to take. Following the detour signs, I began an unexpected adventure through long and winding back roads, farmland, and forestry. However, along the way, I lost my way.
Suddenly there were no signs, and I was in utterly unfamiliar territory. Initially, it was as if my surroundings were closing in on me and I was shrinking in comparison. I started to feel anxious and stressed about being late or potentially missing the meeting. Then, slowing down, I stopped and began to take more notice. Surveying the landscape and elements in the sky more intently, I was able to find new signs and my bearings were restored, leading me more peacefully to the place I needed to be. I ended up being a little late, but it was okay; as always “better late than never.”
In current day times, it can seem as if society is in a construction zone that is in disarray. So many detours, roads without signs, confusion, violence, and chaos swirling all around. Yet, among it all, continuing to seek, searching within, and then looking back out, there are always signs pointing to the promise and hope of a better way.
The readings for the First Sunday of Advent (Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:1b,4-5,8-9,10,14; 1 Thes 3:12-4:2, Lk 21:25-28,34-36) are a call to remember the promise, open oneself to God, to pay attention, and place hope in God as the way to restoration and redemption. Take time to reflect on what promise and hope in God means to you.
Who is this God?
How and where is God welcomed into the landscape of your life?
What do you desire as you look to journey with God this Advent? What might God desire for you?
Show us, Lord, your mercy; grant us your salvation. – Psalm 85:8
In chapter 18 (verses 33-37) of the Gospel according to John, Pilate asks Jesus who he is and what has done, and Jesus’ answer, as always, is all about truth. And that’s what faith is really all about—Truth and learning not only to recognize it, but also to listen to, and be led by it. In the verses that follow this passage, Pilate knows the Truth—Jesus has done no wrong, but he does not choose to listen and allow himself to be led by it.
On the Feast of Christ the King, this passage presents a great opportunity for prayer and reflection on who we are and what we do as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. Both collectively and individually, as we approach the season of Advent and the Nativity of Christ our Lord, in what ways do the things we do and the presence of heart and mind with which we do them, reflect the goodness of God? And to what extent are they the result of truly listening and being led by Grace?
Amid one’s hopes and dreams and into the flow of reality, how do the choices of yesterday, infused with faith and the grace of God, inform and shape those of tomorrow?
So Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” – John 18:33-37
Jesus tells his disciples, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near” (Mark 13:28). Yet, just two chapters earlier, Jesus cursed a fig tree causing it to wither:
“Seeing from a distance a fig tree, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, ‘May no one ever eat of your fruit again!’ And his disciples heard it. … Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘Have faith in God.’” (Mark 11:13-14, 20-22).
Looking at these two passages and particularly at the fig tree, it may seem like Jesus is contradicting himself. However, looking at the whole picture, notice how Jesus shifts the focus from the tangible fig tree to looking beyond it and pointing to faith.
Maybe the real lesson that Jesus wants us to learn is that there are no hard and fast rules other than loving God, yourself, and your neighbor, and that this occurs best when we are not so entrenched in one way or another. That is, when we are able to be present to the moment, openminded, and willing to be guided by God, even when the direction in which we might feel compelled may not make sense in the world’s eyes and may not be fully understood by ourselves or others.
Perhaps the season is neither here nor there, but never-ending, the invitation ever-present, and more than anything, the task always at hand, is to focus on Jesus and ask for the grace to be “tender and sprout leaves.”
Jesus said to his disciples: “In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
“And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.
“Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Mark 13:24-32
It can be easy to envision the poor widow putting her coins into the treasury, knowing the value to be considered far less than others had contributed. One might even draw a picture that perhaps includes elements representing shame, grief, loss, loneliness, and so on, overcome by giving all she had (“her whole livelihood”) and Jesus celebrating her for that. Then, from that picture, one might possibly be drawn toward a singular conclusion about verses 41-44 of chapter 12 in the Gospel according to Mark as a call to examine one’s level of charity.
It’s interesting though to reflect further on this passage. There are no words attributed to the widow, and no mention of a personal encounter between her and Jesus. The passage starts with an observation by Jesus that turns into a teaching directly to his disciples, not the poor widow, or anyone else who was putting money into the treasury. It is about more than coins and goes beyond levels of giving, extending to something greater.
Going back to the beginning of the Poor Widow’s Contribution, in verse 41, it is written, “Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.” There are no interactions with those who are giving. Rather, Jesus takes in what is transpiring.
He sees the difference between the way the poor widow and the crowd, especially those with greater possessions (“Many rich people put in large sums.”), are carrying themselves. He then draws his disciples close, reveals what he sees, and tries to help them to see it as well. Jesus’s teaching, as always, is about showing the Way and helping those who follow him to become more aware, see more clearly, make better choices, and live more authentically.
Jesus wants the disciples, and us, to see that what the poor widow has given, she has given from “her whole livelihood”—her heart. This is the source of the widow’s might and is where our strength comes from as well. It is where the Lord resides.
I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. – Jeremiah 31:33
By giving the two coins, the widow is giving her heart to the Lord, not allowing herself to be defined by her possessions, the opinions of others, or worldly cares, but instead sacrificing and letting them go, and listening to the law within her—placing trust for her well-being, first and foremost, in the Lord.
How can we look past the coins, and do the same?
In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.”
Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” – Mark 12:38-44
Henri Nouwen wrote, “Self-knowledge and self-love are the fruit of knowing and loving God. You can see better then what is intended by the great commandment to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.” Laying our hearts totally open to God leads to a love of ourselves that enables us to give wholehearted love to our fellow human beings. In the seclusion of our hearts we learn to know the hidden presence of God; and with that spiritual knowledge we can lead a loving life.”
In other words, authentic love starts within, builds and grows through self-discovery and conscious connection to God. It is by this process that hearts are moved toward love in the way they exist and what they exude to the outside world.
In chapter 12 of the Gospel according to Mark, we see an example of interactions similar to those that are so prevalent these days. It is very clear that there are two sides with two very different objectives. What’s going on in the hearts and minds of each side? What’s the priority?
The chapter starts with Jesus telling the Parable of the Tenants—tenant farmers who refuse to pay the owner of the vineyard and beat and/or kill the people sent to collect the owner’s due. They even kill the vineyard owner’s son—they do not recognize him. Knowing that Jesus is calling them out in the telling of this parable, the Pharisees, scribes, and elders want to arrest him.
What makes them so quick to become so defensive? Did they stop to look inside and invite God into the process before labeling Jesus as the enemy and beginning to determine a course of action? What makes them so offended by Jesus’ words and actions?
As the chapter continues, Pharisees and Herodians, and then Sadducees are sent to question Jesus about taxes (should they pay Caesar or not? – verses 13-17) and about resurrection (how is the law of marriage applied for the widower of seven brothers and with no descendants? – verses 18-27). And Jesus’ nature continues to shine through as he continues to speak truth, conveying and citing the Word of God in his replies. He does not get rattled or fall for the attempts to manipulate him.
“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (verse 17).
“When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, [the] God of Isaac, and [the] God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled” (verses 25-27).
Despite knowing, not speculating, but actually knowing what they are trying to do, Jesus does not become defensive or aggressive, or try to avoid them and their questions—he has nothing to hide. He simply answers the questions truthfully, shedding light and putting focus on the real issue—the motives behind behavior. This leads to the question always worth asking, “In all honesty, who or what is being served, and how?” In this case, and in any day and age, lack of integrity and inability to recognize, and live in, truth is not of service to God, or anyone for that matter.
This brings us to the verses of chapter 12 referred to as “The Greatest Commandment”:
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions. – Mark 12:28-34
Loving God with all of one’s being followed by loving one’s neighbor as oneself is to be the object of one’s striving day in and day out. As any human being can attest, this can be challenging and sometimes a downright struggle, and when left to our own devices it’s impossible. However, when we look at chapter 12 of the Gospel according to Mark, we can see in Jesus’ example of facing adversity with peace, honesty, and integrity, how a close relationship with God broadens the horizon, opening hearts and minds to the true meaning of Scripture, influencing speech and action, and revealing truth to all who are willing to embrace and engage in it over everything else (ambitions, possessions, self-interest, etc.).
With Jesus, the invitation is always open, and it doesn’t matter what you bring to the table, so much as a desire for what is true, what you are willing to let go of in order to learn, and the spirit with which you carry it out into the world.
The path began at a clearing, steps molded into the landscape, a way ahead with little unknown. It was easy to proceed. However, once those steps reached their end, the terrain gradually became less friendly… less inviting. Continuing deeper in, the area overcome with overgrowth, the air overcome with temptation. Push ahead with determination or turn back in trepidation. Perhaps, another way, take stock, retreat into the moment, and explore. Look inside and ponder, “What are you looking for?”
In the Gospel according to Mark, chapter 10, verse 51, Jesus asks Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” He doesn’t presume what Bartimaeus, the blind man, wants from him, even though it may seem obvious. He gives Bartimaeus the opportunity to engage with him and to give voice to his desire.
In the moments leading up to this encounter, Bartimaeus is in the midst of a crowd and cannot see who or what is around him, so he doesn’t know where Jesus is. Despite this, he has heard that Jesus is there, and he begins calling out to him, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me” (verse 47). The people around him are trying to get him to stop calling out to Jesus, but Bartimaeus is not distracted by them. He stays focused on what he is looking for—his vision, and he knows that only Jesus can heal and restore it.
In today’s hazy world, overcome with overgrowth, temptation in the air, and distractions all around, Jesus is present, wanting to heal and restore vision, and not only to make the path clear for all, but also to be the path for all. Jesus is waiting, even in less friendly, less inviting spaces, wanting us to tell him about it, and wanting to hear the response to, “What do you want me to do for you?”
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. – Mark 10:46-52
On a breezy autumn day, the sun shimmers across the water and the clouds steadily make their way from one side of the sky to the other. The trees, they stand their ground, their leaves have yet to fall. I guess it’s not their time.
Yet, ripples on the pond and clouds up in the sky, both quietly passing by. Always in time. Always in time.
The wind, it moves the clouds and water all around, and yes, even those leaves clinging to trees. Always in time. Always in time.
Some willing more than others. Taking direction, or making a stand. Always in time. Always in time.
Likewise, the Spirit in its stirring, its moving of hearts and souls, here and there along the way. Always in time. Always in time.
Always in Time… May your mercy, Lord, be upon us; as we put our hope in you. – Psalm 33:22
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