Truth

All in…

“Wherever… thou shalt be, pray secretly within thyself. If thou shalt be far from a house of prayer, give not thyself trouble to seek for one, for thou thyself art a sanctuary designed for prayer. If thou shalt be in bed, or in any other place, pray there; thy temple is there.” – Bernard of Clairvaux

GodOfAll

With the onset of colder temperatures and more leaves on the ground than above, the evergreens across the way, always steady and true, remain. Just the same, living in a world with so much turmoil and strife… in a time and place where heads or tails, or the flip of a coin, seems to hold more weight than what is good, and right, and just, the goodness of God, always steady and true, remains.

For as the coin, tossed high in the air, flips and flops, often turning one end over the other, retains its value and essence, regardless of which side lands face up, so too each life as we live and breathe and move from one thing to another—day to day and year to year. God’s allegiance to all creation is undying.

“and God is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to God all are alive.” – Luke 20:38

Place allegiance with God, first and foremost, remembering there is but one God, one Creator, who inspires all that is good, steady, and true.

It’s Still Water…

Although we had come expecting to see a variety of colors, bright and beautiful, as in other spots around the water, what we came upon was much more subtle, but also bright and beautiful.

Standing at the water’s edge, initially, the stillness and clarity of the pond was so peaceful, drawing us closer, putting us in awe. Looking further out, ripples seemed to suddenly appear, although given the gentle, steady breeze, they were likely there all along, only becoming more prominent as one’s glance stretched past the calmness of the water that was closest by. Beyond the trembles, across, to the other side of the pond was more stillness. It was in the trees of mostly green, and further, the sky also steady and calm. Taken altogether, perhaps making a ripple sandwich. Oftentimes, the uneven spots are gently held between, or surrounded by, the ones that carry peace.

Rejoice

Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and the Lord’s strength, constantly seek the Lord’s face. – Psalm 105:3-4

According to the Word…

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do. – Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli

In the fall of 1881, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born in Northern Italy. He was the fourth of thirteen children in a family that worked fields for a landlord. They were sharecroppers.

It is probably fair to state that it was unlikely anyone, including Angelo Roncalli, would have imagined his life would inspire great change throughout the world, but it did. In the fall of 1958, he was elected Pope, taking the name John XXIII. His papacy, beginning a few years shy of his 80th birthday, was predicted to be a sort of “filling the gap.” In fact, many in the church’s upper echelon of leadership were expecting him to do very little while they were looking to line things up for the “right” successor upon his passing. However, Pope John XXIII continued with the same passion and Spirit-driven action that he had shown throughout his life.

St. John XXIII did, to the surprise and probably the dismay of many, much work during his papacy to encourage and steer the church toward greater integrity by emphasizing Truth, trying to live out the teachings of Jesus, and embodying a spirit of peace and unity. He called for change in the portrayal of Jesus’ death as the fault of the Jews and stopped the perpetuation of the term “faithless” with regards to our Jewish brothers and sisters. He sought to bring together the leaders of the United States and Russia in an attempt to help lessen animosities and work toward peace. He also called for the Second Vatican Council which led to numerous changes in the church, again trying to create a church more in line with the philosophy of Jesus.

While some of his words and actions may be disputed, as with any human being, he had a heart that desired and was devoted to peace and unity. Much of what he wrote, spoke, and did, came out of this place. It was his source of inspiration—the Spirit in which he lived.

Unfortunately, many do not experience church as a place of peace and unity, never mind a place of Truth. Despite this, how fortunate that the Spirit of God has depth and width broader than what the human mind can measure. How fortunate that spiritual nourishment and relationship with God are not bound and tied to any earthly thing, but rather expressed through those who are faithful, no matter where they may be.

We were all made in God’s image, and thus, we are all Godly alike. – Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (a.k.a. Good Pope John and then St. John XXIII)

AccordingToTheWordOfGod

Humankind was created as God’s reflection:
in the divine image God created them;
female and male, God made them. – Genesis 1:27

Be the spirit that is willing to be true…

To one side of the landscape there was mostly a wall of green, and then what seemed like a path of orange with some red extending upward and to the right, as if to say, come along this way.

In the second letter to Timothy, Paul writes, “I remind you, stir into flame the gift of God…” (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul is in prison, and Timothy, to whom he has been a mentor, must proceed in the work he has been called to do, namely evangelizing. However, rather than just telling Timothy what he needs to do, Paul first calls on him to remember the truth.

“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control…” – v. 7

This is a call to action that encourages Timothy, and encourages us, to carry on with integrity, and in a manner that is befitting one created in the image of God. If Timothy were to look around to see what others were doing, or to focus on the fact that Paul has been imprisoned for his Spirit driven efforts (which go against the grain of the majority and popular opinion) perhaps he would stop and turn the other way. In fact, it would be likely that he would move away from taking an approach that is first and foremost, faithful to God, and instead be lead toward fulfilling earthly ambitions or needs, thus compromising, or at the expense of, the fulfillment of his heavenly call.

This would be sad… tragic and a monumental loss. However, with God there is always more than one chance to do the right thing. More than one chance to make truly life giving choices and to live the life that God dreams for us. The life that we see as having ups and downs through trials and tribulations, but that becomes even keeled when we face them, inspired and moved into action by the Spirit of God, bringing a sense of peace in each and every thing.

For the vision is a witness for the appointed time,
a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint.
If it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not be late. – Habakkuk 2:3

With a willing spirit, and through the grace of God, each leaf turns in time, regardless of its surroundings.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. – Psalm 95

StirIntoFlame

Beloved:
I remind you, to stir into flame
the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice
but rather of power and love and self-control.
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,
nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;
but bear your share of hardship for the gospel
with the strength that comes from God.

Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me,
in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit
that dwells within us. – 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

Blown by the Wind…

As the waves rose to the height of their ascent, each carried a line of mist as the force of the wind surfed across the top. Water and wind driving against each other, competing, wave after wave. Which would win? … As if only one could.

Be driven, not aimless, or as if by wind.
Be driven, not reckless… ruthless, or by tide.
Be driven, not fearful… anxious, or by mind.
Be driven by heart, soul, and Spirit combined.

WindBlown

Jesus said to the Pharisees:
“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen
and dined sumptuously each day.
And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps
that fell from the rich man’s table.
Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.
When the poor man died,
he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.
The rich man also died and was buried,
and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,
he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off
and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,
for I am suffering torment in these flames.’
Abraham replied,
‘My child, remember that you received
what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;
but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.
Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established
to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go
from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’
He said, ‘Then I beg you, father,
send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers,
so that he may warn them,
lest they too come to this place of torment.’
But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets.
Let them listen to them.’
He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham,
but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'” – Luke 16:19-31

Weight or Wait…

Over the past week, childhood memories of not being old enough to do whatever it might have been that older siblings or kids in the neighborhood were doing have surfaced in attempts to be understanding while navigating and responding to the “why?” of age being a determining factor to the negative.  What is it that can make waiting such a chore? What is it that can make the waiting that comes with life feel more like weight bearing down upon or holding one back than like a time that is on the way and simply has not yet arrived?

It can be difficult at times to take the long view or to see “the waiting” as a friend, creating space and readying one for what is to come. Perhaps sometimes, in the waiting, we are being waited upon. Maybe looked to, to open up or to make a move rather than being mostly on one side of the equation or the other. Oftentimes in waiting, one realization or another comes along, lessening the load and shifting the balance back to peace.

Peace

Truly, the Lord is waiting to be gracious to you,
truly, the Lord shall rise to show you mercy;
For the Lord is a God of justice:
happy are all who wait for the Lord! – Isaiah 30:18

If You’re Going to Get Swept Away…

The waves of high tide were breaking as they continued their forward rush, splashing onto and washing over the steps and nearby rocks. Once there, they would lose steam and reverse direction. As they flowed back toward the sea in a more gentle way, just beyond, the next wave waited its turn to rush in, like the ones before it.

To watch the waves dance, and to listen to their song can be quite calming. To ride them, exhilarating, joyful, or perhaps unnerving depending on the day, the circumstances, or the conditions. Nonetheless, it is in experiencing the waves that we come to know them or to have a sense about them, and in doing so, see something about ourselves in the process. (There is always more than one side in learning.)

Just like waves, in the back and forth of life, it can be easy to get thrown around, washed away, or swept up based on experiences that may not be our own. While it can be helpful, at times, to hear an “expert’s” reporting, instinct and inner wisdom, are vital too.  Hildegard of Bingen wrote, “We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.”

In chapter 16, verses 12-15, Jesus tells his disciples that they will be guided by the “Spirit of truth.” He does not say that they will be guided by Peter, John, or anyone else. This is not to say that they (as well as us) should not consult or listen to each other, but rather that the Wisdom of God seeks to make itself known to each individual, and that the Holy Spirit works to guide and lead us to what is wise—to what is truly best.

With so many voices in the world that look to grab and hold our attention, or to determine our choices, it is especially important to seek and to know, as well as to grow, the gifts given to each of us in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

IntoTheWater

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you.” – John 16:12-15

A Dip in the Pool…

As we walked along the cliff, the terrain shifted from paved pathways to ones constructed out of giant rocks along the shoreline. The further we walked, the numbers of those walking became less as the path became trickier to navigate with the level rocks becoming sparse. Taking heed of the signs to be cautious, we forged on, determined not only to get to the other side, but also to take time to enjoy the sites along the way.

Most striking on this particular day, were the tidal pools that we came across. The water seemed so crystal clear—transparent. At the same time, though, it was teeming with living organisms, some visible to the naked eye, some surely not.

Each pool seemed to contain a world of its own. As a child, I remember a field trip where we explored and studied tidal pools. It was fascinating to see various components of the entire ocean in one relatively small area. I remember a classmate spotting a tiny shrimp in one of the pools. It is amazing what one can see when going slower and looking around more carefully.

Surveying the tidal pools, as intact as they seem, they inevitably change with each tide. While they may resemble what was there from the previous tide, they are not the same. Yet, day in and day out, or tide in and tide out, each pool continues to hold its bounty—life, beauty, and all that is intriguing in various different shapes, colors, and forms—as sacred for as long as it remains, or until the tide reclaims it.

That is something to strive for… something to emulate.

TidalPool

“Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them.” – John 17:24-26

Light that Works Wonders…

Throughout the ages people in various cultures around the world have discovered and used what is found in nature as remedies for one ailment or another. A star among these natural medicinal resources is the sun. The light provided by the sun has been known to disinfect, heal wounds, straighten curved bones, lift moods, and more, in addition to aiding our sight as we make our way throughout each day.

At the opposite end of the day, there is the moon and stars, which also provide light and a sense of direction throughout the night. When combined, the light from the sun, the moon, and the stars, radiant and powerful as they may be, are but a portion of the light of God.

No longer shall the sun
be your light by day,
Nor shall the brightness of the moon
give you light by night;
Rather, the Lord will be your light forever,
your God will be your glory. – Isaiah 60:19

In creation, the Source is always greater than the sum of its parts. That is what faith is all about. It is trusting that God, and the grace of God, is ever present. It is believing despite not having all the answers. It is embracing each moment, making the sacrifice, taking the risk, seeking what is just, and living from the heart that knows, anything is possible through God.

If the sun and various other natural elements in creation can be the cause of an abundance of healing, then how much more magnificent, that which can occur through the hands of our Creator.

In all situations, in every place, and at all times, seek the Light, soak it in, and through the grace of God, take courage, transform, and be the Light.

Light2

Along the Way…

Upon entering the wooded path, the trees stood tall and proud. However, in between and all along the way, there were remnants of once healthy, strong trees, now leaning…

Leaning

Fallen…

Fallen.jpg

Bent…

Bent

And broken.

Broken

Yet, all around the storm driven violence, new life infused from the richness of the soil… the richness of its Source.

Despite devastation, and in the midst of it, there remains Shelter…

Shelter

Guidance…

Guide

And the healing presence of Light, to be held, as well as reflected…

Reflect

The Lord is good:
the kindness of the Lord endures forever,
and the Lord’s faithfulness, lasts through every generation. – Psalm 100:5