Truth

Possibilities…

It seems that so much in life begins with believing. In order to accomplish just about anything one has to believe that the task or the dream envisioned is possible. Otherwise, it would not be attempted.

In addition, what one believes often determines how one views and responds to the world and its happenings. Throughout history, many a person has heard the words, “that’s impossible,” only to prove them wrong. Why is it that where one person may see a dead end and nothing further that another sees possibility and options to be explored?

There is often a drive or a spirit that cannot be denied. It leads the way for the one who truly believes. Sometimes it is for good and at other times, not so much.

In The Minpins, Roald Dahl wrote, “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” While this was written in a children’s book about a fictional community living high up in a tree, it is applicable to life on the ground and in reality. There is a great sense of direction, inner strength and wisdom that can come with believing.

Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, went to Jesus in the dark of night, seeking the truth—light. In their conversation, Jesus said to him,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” – John 3:16-18

Nicodemus heard these words, but did he believe them? More importantly, do we believe them?

Nicodemus started the whole conversation with Jesus by stating what he knew (John 3:2). It seems that his knowledge prompted him to seek out Jesus—Light in the dark of the night. However, it was more than that. Both his mind and his heart were open.

How do our minds and hearts lead us? How do they shape our actions?

We are called not only to seek, but also to live in the Truth and Light. Do we really believe this, and how do we allow it to inspire and influence us as we go about our way each day?

We are different, but at the same time we are alike… all created in the image of God, and as such, in the same image of Jesus and blessed with the Holy Spirit to guide us. How bright the world can shine, one person at a time, when we embrace that place, and live from it.

Brothers and sisters, rejoice.
Mend your ways, encourage one another,
agree with one another, live in peace,
and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the holy ones greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

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The Land of the Living…

Every year, usually in May, my local library displays artwork created by students throughout our school district. When attending the opening night of the art showcase, one can expect the library to be noisy and bustling with people rather than its usual quiet, slow-paced atmosphere. During this nighttime, community event, students show their artwork to loved ones, and people of all different ages not only view the work on display, but also tend to strike up conversations.

It is a time of excitement and joy at the library. One can sense it in the air and on the faces of those who attend. It is nice to be there and to see such creativity, and it is often a good time for all. The work, all created in the confines of art rooms throughout the school district, remains on display through the end of the month for all who may enter to see.

This week, during a visit to the library, in the midst of writer’s block, I got up and moved to another spot to take a break for a few minutes. As I was sitting in one of the more comfortable, living room like chairs, I looked up to see rows of magazines in one direction and rows of newspapers in another, and then between the two, display stands covered with art work from the school district show. As I gazed, I was struck by the beauty of the colors, the creativity, and the various forms of artwork around me.

While I have always enjoyed opening night of the art show and the beauty of the work displayed, this particular day, I had the opportunity for a viewing in a quieter setting, and during the daytime. In revisiting some of the work, the beauty was even more noticeable and spoke to me in new ways. Just as the students were sharing a piece of themselves (their minds… hearts… souls) in their art, we share pieces of ourselves wherever we go… wherever we are.

Overall, the experience was a great reminder of how good it can be to revisit or retrace one’s steps every now and again, even in what might seem minor at first glance. It is good to reflect on the ways in which I contribute to the environment around me. This is especially true in the midst of societal events that can lead one to see darkness and death more so than Light and Life in the world as well as in our day-to-day routines.

The truth is that there is, and will always be, more good, and potential for good, than there is bad. Oftentimes, all we have to do is take a step back, look again to see what perhaps we did not notice before or to remind ourselves of the good that we have experienced. When we allow the goodness that God has planted within each of us not only to take hold of us, but also to shine through us… to influence our words and actions, and most especially our prayers, we cooperate with God in building and creating.

We have are far greater impact than we might imagine. It is up to us to acknowledge and appreciate, as well as to nurture goodness, in ourselves and in others.

“I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord, in the land of the living.” – Psalm 27:13

Creativity

All is Grace…

There is so much that goes on in the world and in each of our lives that sometimes it can be hard to sift through it all. Situations, people and things can become lumped together, making it difficult to see clearly or to have a good sense of what is authentic, and what is not. Without that, finding a grain(s) of value in the midst of it all, is nearly impossible.

More often than not though, and yes, even in a dense fog or in the darkness of night, there is something to be gained. Like a lost gem waiting to be discovered, there is often wisdom to be found in all things, even in what might seem like drama or nonsense.

Oftentimes, it can be very appealing, and perhaps all too easy to walk away or quickly discount that which one does not understand. However, what seems more important is doing so for reasons that are true and pure.

How does one know when to walk away?

Seek Wisdom (Sophia) first, and she will lead the way. Wisdom tells me that wherever I am at any particular moment, that is the place and time that God has anointed for me to be there. It is a place for me to encounter, as well as to be, the face of Grace. Each moment and each situation in my life, in each of our lives, has something sacred in store for us. It is as if we are constantly on the brink of greatness; a greatness that extends beyond this world.

Desire therefore my words;
long for them and you will be instructed.

Resplendent and unfading is Wisdom,
and she is readily perceived by those who love her,
and found by those who seek her.

She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her;
one who watches for her at dawn will not be disappointed,
for she will be found sitting at the gate.

For setting your heart on her is the perfection of prudence,
and whoever keeps vigil for her is quickly free from care;
Because she makes her rounds, seeking those worthy of her,
and graciously appears to them on the way,
and goes to meet them with full attention.

For the first step toward Wisdom is an earnest desire for discipline;
then, care for discipline is love of her;
love means the keeping of her laws;
To observe her laws is the basis for incorruptibility;
and incorruptibility makes one close to God;
thus the desire for Wisdom leads to a kingdom.  (Wisdom 6:11-20)

By the grace of God, we are where we are meant to be, at this particular point in time. Through Wisdom, we can see, everything is Grace.

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In word: “Everything is a grace because everything is God’s gift. Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events—to the heart that loves, all is well.” – St. Therese of Lisieux.

In song: “Everything Is Grace” by Matt Maher.

The Apple and the Light…

It is unfortunate how the air can be sucked out of a room or a dark shadow can be cast upon it, by the words and actions, or even just the presence of one person. Not only that, but it can also be very uncomfortable, and have a lingering effect, even after that person leaves the room.

Why does one bad apple have to spoil the bunch (or “the barrel” as the saying goes)?

What is it that causes us, at times, to become paralyzed, dragged down, divided, or driven away when faced with a bad apple? What is it that can cause the rest of the apples to turn to mush instead of continuing to hold true to form? What if, beyond the surface, the bad apple is not really bad at all, but rather hanging from a limb, and by a thread?

Through the eyes of faith, there is the assurance that the Light of God far outshines any darkness that might come our way. Through faith we also believe, that the mercy and compassion of God extends to all creation. What then creates an atmosphere that leads to the Spirit within being quieted or perhaps even smothered in the face of darkness?

There is a force, at every corner, that seeks to take us away from the Truth, most especially in the midst of darkness. It seeks to create confusion and gradually, or perhaps swiftly, tries to shift our focus, and convince us that we are less than what we really are. Oftentimes, when this happens, we become paralyzed, dragged down, divided, or driven away. That suppression of the Spirit, or Light, contributes to an atmosphere that fosters darkness.

Jesus says, “Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:9-10). The thief is like the bad apple, looking to steal, slaughter and destroy what he does not have or what he has lost himself; that is the ability to reflect the Light.

This is why we are called not only to meditate on and to let the Light shine brightly, no matter the circumstances, but also to pray for those who persecute us.

 

TheAppleAndTheLight

 

Emmaus in Our Midst…

A number of years ago, I recall watching a news segment where an oncologist was talking about viruses, and how throughout our lives we all have viruses that appear and then disappear. The doctor went on to say that, at times, these viruses can create cancer cells, that sometimes our bodies get rid of them, and sometimes the cells remain. Of those ones, they may one day become active, they may just stay unchanged, causing no noticeable difference or harm, or they may disappear.

These days, cancer seems rampant, not only as a health issue, but also in organizations and communities. How do we stop it? Perhaps, sometimes, we cannot. Surely, though, we cannot give up.

As I think about all the people, I know or have known who have battled cancer, more than anything the spirit with which they faced their illness comes to mind. Whether or not they survived cancer, I have no doubt that they overcame it.

While there are many cancers in the world, often eating away at and perhaps breaking us down, oftentimes in the darkness and confusion that is brought about, simply, yet beautifully comfort, peace, and strength are waiting to shine through. We must remember that we are in God’s hands. Truly, there is nothing to fear…nothing to lose. All that is, or was, will be filled with something more…something better…something greater. All that is really left, and all that really matters, is to be faithful and to believe.

Each time we allow our spirits to be lifted up and sustained by God, like Jesus, we rise. We move above, and beyond, that which would seek to destroy us.

Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), we need to recount, remember, take comfort in God’s presence, invite the Lord to walk with us… to be with us and in us. We must rejoice and, always, keep the faith.

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Knowing One’s Position…

I remember as a child, practice after practice, learning how to adapt the position of my body and the direction of my softball glove depending on where the ball was hit; taking into consideration the wide array of possibilities—to the left or right, moving in or out, head on, up in the air or on the ground. I also recall being advised not to overthink or try too hard to make the play. I think of times of overshooting the target when feeling under the gun to throw the ball as hard as possible, in order to get the runner out. In those times, my focus was more on the closing gap between the runner and the base than on simply throwing the ball to the target.

Each year, and at each level of play, there was something new to be learned in becoming more skillful not only as a player, but also as a teammate. Everyone on the team had a primary position, but we also had a backup or supporting position in case of injury. We were asked to be ready for whatever was for the good of the team whether it was on the bench cheering on teammates, warming up the pitcher, or on the field as a starter.

The spirit of the team depended on the embrace of this attitude and way of being. As the saying goes, “united we stand, divided we fall.” However, that all depends on what it is that is bringing us together, to what it is leading and who is being served.

Oftentimes we can feel like we are running out of time or feel a sense of pressure to act swiftly. While there are cases where a quick response is necessary, there are also many cases where a sense of urgency is a trick play, seeking to take one “off their game.” There are times when the best course of action is to slow down in order to be in tune with the natural flow and instinct ingrained within each of us, patiently trying to guide us for the good of all.

Every now and again, even though I may be embracing the “team” attitude and have my positions covered, I need to ask myself, is this truly in the best interest of the entire team? This is not something that anyone else can answer for me. Only I can know the truth of the matter for myself. However, it can only be revealed, if I am willing to entertain both possibilities – I may be acting in the best interest of the team, but I may also not be acting in the best interest of the team.

“But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.” – Matthew 27:50

The Pharisees and the scribes who sought to get rid of Jesus, gave up their spirits to serve and protect themselves. Jesus gave up…surrendered his spirit as part of the plan that was truly for the greater good – Salvation.

Surrender to God is never failure, but rather victory unlike any other.

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Knowing One’s Position…

Newman…

Through a series of changes, I recently had the opportunity to learn about the life of John Henry Newman. I found his story to be fascinating. Living in England for almost all his life, the change that resulted from his conversion was huge. He faced great challenges in going from the Anglican Church to the Roman Catholic Church.

John Henry Newman’s road went from childhood to Trinity College, Oxford student to vicar, teacher, preacher and writer at Oxford University to Roman Catholic priest and eventually Cardinal. He was a great theologian; first in the Anglican tradition and then in the Roman Catholic tradition. When he became a Roman Catholic priest though his entire life was turned upside down. He could no longer teach, preach or write at Oxford and because of his prominent Anglican position prior to his conversion he was seen as suspect within the Roman Catholic hierarchy. Essentially, all that he knew was taken away from him. Many of his relationships were severed and he was stripped of his teaching position and the prestige that went along with it. However, amidst these very big changes, his desire and resolve to seek and live a life of truth did not change.

John Henry Newman remained faithful and true to God and what he felt God was calling him to, throughout his life. We are called to do the same. Despite his less than favorable status with the Pope at the time of his conversion (Pius IX), he carried on and kept following his conscience. We are also called to follow our conscience. When Pope Pius IX died and the next Pope (Leo XIII) came along, Newman was named Cardinal even though he was not a Bishop and he was not a resident in Rome.

When John Henry Newman was named Cardinal, he took the motto “Cor ad cor loquitur” (“Heart speaks to heart”). How fitting for someone who was, and still is, in many ways a champion of the authority of the Church—God.

“It is indeed sometimes said that the stream is clearest near the spring. Whatever use may fairly be made of this image, it does not apply to the history of a philosophy or belief, which on the contrary is more equable, and purer, and stronger, when its bed has become deep, and broad, and full. It necessarily rises out of an existing state of things, and for a time savours of the soil. Its vital element needs disengaging from what is foreign and temporary, and is employed in efforts after freedom which become more vigorous and hopeful as its years increase. Its beginnings are no measure of its capabilities, nor of its scope. At first no one knows what it is, or what it is worth. It remains perhaps for a time quiescent; it tries, as it were, its limbs, and proves the ground under it, and feels its way. From time to time it makes essays which fail, and are in consequence abandoned. It seems in suspense which way to go; it wavers, and at length strikes out in one definite direction. In time it enters upon strange territory; points of controversy alter their bearing; parties rise and around it; dangers and hopes appear in new relations; and old principles reappear under new forms. It changes with them in order to remain the same. In a higher world it is otherwise, but here below to live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.” – Blessed John Henry Newman

Room to Grow…

The human body contains numerous growth plates. These plates exist at the end of our bones, in areas of the body such as the foot, leg, elbow, etc. They are located in areas where there is much physical growth that occurs from birth often through early adulthood. Simply put, we were designed and created with everything we need, including room to grow.

It is no coincidence that our bodies are built with growth in mind. It is also no coincidence that at the very essence of humanity is the ability to grow in many ways, both as individuals and in communion. Often as we grow in stature, we learn through experience, or we at least have the opportunities to learn, and mature emotionally and spiritually as well.

As we handle and see our way through what once may have seemed insurmountable or far beyond reach, we grow stronger, we discover something new, or we tap into or uncover what we did not know existed within. We are multi-dimensional and that is a good thing so long as it does not lead to being pushed, pulled, or led astray.

While duplicity is all around, and is sly like a fox, it is no match for the heart that seeks and strives to be faithful and sincere.

No matter how many times one may stammer or fall, there is always Grace to be had and faith to be built upon. When we are able to ask for help, acknowledging and moving beyond our own mistakes, and forgiving others theirs, the grace of God reigns within and around us. It returns us to love, calling us to remember the truth and to realize once more that we are more alike than different. It is ready and willing to help us not only to recognize, but also guiding us to that which brings out the inherent goodness in each other; reaffirming the image of God in which we are created and helping us to grow. It is then, that we truly experience what it means to worship in Spirit and truth.

“God is Spirit, and those who worship God must worship in Spirit and truth.” – Jesus to the woman at the well in the Gospel according to John, chapter 4, verses 4-42.

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In the Desert…

I remember as a child spelling d-e-s-e-r-t, desert, the treat following dinner. I also remember receiving my paper back from the teacher with a red “x” and a second “s” added in the word. A common error for a young child, I am sure. It is funny how some things make a lasting impression and how over time it can be much easier to laugh at things that perhaps once did not seem so funny or amusing. This is one of the gifts that comes with perspective though.

When Jesus was led into the desert, he faced temptation. However, despite his weakened state, he did not lose perspective. He remained focused on who he was and what he knew to be true. He was able to see temptation for what it was and to say, “Get away, Satan!” We are called to do the same.

In today’s world one could say that the desert of temptation has grown exponentially. Oftentimes where one might expect to find solace or solidarity and goodwill, there is none. Despite this, one must carry on and, like Jesus, hold fast to God, the One in whose image all are created. In seeking and striving to do so with all one’s mind, heart and soul, there is comfort and strength, knowledge and wisdom, and yes, even in the desert of temptation, there is peace.

At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert
to be tempted by the devil.
He fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and afterwards he was hungry.
The tempter approached and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God,
command that these stones become loaves of bread.”
He said in reply,
“It is written:
One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth
from the mouth of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3)”

Then the devil took him to the holy city,
and made him stand on the parapet of the temple,
and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.
For it is written:
He will command his angels concerning you
and with their hands they will support you,
lest you dash your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:11-12)”
Jesus answered him,
“Again it is written,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test. (Deuteronomy 6:16)”
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain,
and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence,
and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you,
if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.”
At this, Jesus said to him,
“Get away, Satan!
It is written:
The Lord, your God, shall you worship
and him alone shall you serve. (Deuteronomy 6:13)“

Then the devil left him and, behold,
angels came and ministered to him.

Matthew 4:1-11

Reaching…

Do not worry. Trust in God. Seek to do God’s will and all will be well. All of creation is provided for and carries on from moment to moment and day to day. Remember this.

What great advice, no…what wisdom. Easier said than done though. With all the brain power in the human mind one would think it would be easier than it is. That it would be second nature to remember the truth and not to worry. However, it is not. It takes practice and discipline to learn or re-learn how to simply be, let alone how to think about tomorrow, but not worry or attach so many plans to it that any hope for spontaneity or re-direction is lost.

While Jesus says not to worry about tomorrow, he does not say not to think about tomorrow. He cautions us. It is good to look ahead, but to do so without jumping ahead and submerging oneself in tomorrow, leaving behind and perhaps missing out on today and the gifts, blessings and opportunities that it carries.

When one looks at the birds and see how they fly and soar so free-spirited, it is not hard to imagine that Jesus wants the same for us. Deep down, if not close to the surface, we share this desire to fly and soar untethered by worries, possessions or anything else that might seek to hold us back.

Sometimes though, maybe we are too smart for our own good. Thinking that we know what is best for us and zooming in on it to the exclusion of all things other or readily dismissing them in the hunt for the golden prize. What happens though when the goal is reached, the prize in hand and there is still something missing or awry?

Stevie Wonder sings, “Like a branch on a tree I keep reachin’ to be free…” (A Place In The Sun written by Brian Wells and Ronald N. Miller). Branches mostly reach out and up as with open arms. They are pathways and resting spots for creatures of all kinds along their way. They stand tall, soaking in the sun, swaying in the wind, bearing the rain or the weight of the snow, and faithfully…patiently waiting to bloom or for the last leaves to fall.

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone,
but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” – Martin Luther.

A tree simply, beautifully being a tree; authentically being what it was created to be. As it is with all living things that remain true, an image of strength, character and endurance. A sign for all ages.

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