Union with God

A view of the ocean from a stone arch

Overarching…

The readings for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time present food for thought and prayer about what’s written, how it’s read, and what is brought to life from it. In the first reading (Deuteronomy 30:10-14), Moses urges the people to heed God’s voice and the commandments and statutes passed on to them and written in “this book of law”. He points out that God’s voice and words are not out of reach, but instead, he says, “No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.” (v. 14).

Spend a few minutes with this verse. Then, think about this past week, an ongoing situation that is before you, or something that you have coming up. Invite the Lord to help you parse through all the thoughts and feelings of which you become aware as you ponder.

For the responsorial psalm, there are two from which to choose (Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37 or Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11). Read each of the responses listed below in silence.

Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live. (cf. Ps 69:33)

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. (Ps 19:9a)

Next, read each response aloud. Notice if one response draws you in, or catches your attention, more than the other.

Bring into your prayer a Psalm response(s) and ask the Lord to guide you and lead you to greater awareness as you continue your contemplation from above. [Allow yourself to go with whichever response you land on first or feel more drawn to. It might be both, or even another verse that comes to mind.]

In the second reading (Colossians 1:15-20), St. Paul writes:

Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

Sometimes it can be tricky, and trying, to face big and small choices every day among relationships, dilemmas, situations, etc. Think about how you have been managing. What brings you comfort? And, from where do you draw strength?

Pause to hold the words St. Paul writes of Jesus and remember that “Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God”, and that you are created in the image of the invisible, and indivisible, God. What happens when you let that reality saturate your heart? Bring to prayer the thoughts and feelings that arise.

Turning to the Gospel passage (Luke 10:25-37), it begins:

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said,
“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law?
How do you read it?”
He said in reply,
“You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your being,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind,
and your neighbor as yourself.”
He replied to him, “You have answered correctly;
do this and you will live.”

Notice how Jesus points the scholar, and us, to the Word of God (“What is written in the law”), how it is processed internally (“How do you read it?”), and how it is lived out (“do this and you will live.”).

Like the scholar, we can know what is written in the law, but if we skip over considering how we are reading it—heart, mind, and soul, how can we possibly live it out authentically, united with God in both Word and Spirit, as intended?

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus,
“And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied,
“A man fell victim to robbers
as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho.
They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.
A priest happened to be going down that road,
but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
Likewise a Levite came to the place,
and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him
was moved with compassion at the sight.
He approached the victim,
poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he lifted him up on his own animal,
took him to an inn, and cared for him.
The next day he took out two silver coins
and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction,
‘Take care of him.
If you spend more than what I have given you,
I shall repay you on my way back.’
Which of these three, in your opinion,
was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?”
He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”
Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” – Luke 10:29-37

Thinking about this passage and the Scripture in the readings and psalm before it, what is most on your mind and in heart at this moment?

Continuing to pray. Ask the Lord to reveal to you whatever God wills, and to help you to bring together what is written, how to read it, and what “Go and do likewise” looks like or means for you today.

A view of the ocean from a stone arch

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

The Heart of Preparation…

In a lot of ways, it’s human nature to see preparing in terms of stocking up on tangible assets such as food, beverage, health, and other household supplies. However, the preparation Jesus is talking about in chapter 24, verses 37-44 of the Gospel according to Matthew (included below) , is about not being so attached to that kind of mindset, but rather to focus on embracing what can be attained not through material means, but through a heart that is maturing in its capacity to love and to be loved. This is something that is not accomplished by how much one does or the number of prayers that one might say, but rather by how one’s prayer influences decisions, actions, and interactions, so as to strive to live in such a way that one reflects the heart of God here on earth.

It’s not that preparing to have what one needs to sustain oneself physically is not good. It’s that it can be easy for that to become a bigger part of one’s concerns and for the mind to take over, leading to a heart that’s less than what it is created to be. One that is more self-serving than it is open to being a servant of God. Comparatively, when one can start with their heart, inviting God into the mix, everything else can fall into place. The result being that one has what they need, and not only sees the places where they are able to give, but also has a desire to do so.

As we enter the first week of Advent, in what ways do you need the heart of God to be revealed to you? And how do you desire to be a presence of the heart of God in each moment, in the coming weeks and beyond?

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” – Mt 24:37-44

Social Security…

Listen to the flowers
As they huddle together.
From one petal to another,
Be attentive they say,
Perhaps in various states of array,
All rising from one stem, but in their own way.
Looking around, what do they see?
What’s happening?
What’s that, you say?
Cacophony must not dissuade.
Take heart and persevere,
Regardless of whatever, either, or any way.
From one petal to another,
Life goes on, and Eternity prevails
In taking great care
And consideration of each other.
Listen to the flowers,
From one petal to another,
They are one, though many,
As they “humble” together.

“Your neighbor is your other self dwelling behind a wall. In understanding, all walls shall fall down. Who knows but that your neighbor is your better self wearing another body? See that you love him as you would yourself. He too is a manifestation of the Most High, whom you do not know.” – Kahlil Gibran

Serve Love…

I remember as a young student feeling fascinated as I learned all about the human heart, its functions and their importance. I was most amazed by the strength of the heart and its capacity, pumping 2,000 gallons of blood each day throughout the body. It wouldn’t be until years later that my amazement would become even greater in coming to understand the heart’s greatest asset—the rhythm, steady and strong, seeking to draw one closer, revealing God, and yearning not only to keep the connection of love, peace, and healing going, but also to help it to thrive without bounds. As the 13th century Persian poet, Rumi, wrote, “Love is the bridge between you and everything.”

In chapter 7 of the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus says to the Pharisees,

“Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:

    This people honors me with their lips,

        but their hearts are far from me;

    in vain do they worship me,

        teaching as doctrines human precepts.

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” (Mk 7:6-8)

Jesus is calling on them to be honest… to look more closely and to see that their hearts are not leading them in union with God. Their love has become misplaced. It is self-serving and focused on what is earthly rather than what is truly, right and just. Their words and actions do not come together to reflect the beauty of God’s goodness—the law that is placed in every heart—dignity, care, and love of all who are placed alongside us whether in location, heart, or mind.  

This same love is what the author of the Letter of James is calling people to when he writes,

“Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath,

for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.

Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” – Jas 1:19-22

No matter where one might be, or the circumstances that exist, Love is the only true hope there is. And while there may be many things that seem beyond reach, or out of control, Love is the anchor that holds us altogether, moves us into action, and brings peace, or peace of mind, strength, truth and justice, never growing cold.

Coming Up Roses…

So simple… love one another… not so simple.

Impossible? At times, it may seem so.

Yet, no, not impossible,

but rather challenging,

and only truly possible through the grace of God.

No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,
and his love is brought to perfection in us. – 1 John 4:12

Connected, Again and Again…

Upon entering the room, the display of rainbow-like bursts on one of the walls, captured my attention. Looking back now though, I see more clearly. Connections all around. The shadow once shed, takes on a new face. Taking up and letting go. To shed and re-shed from beginning to end. Tied together throughout by the image of God, and all eternally beloved. It’s in the air. Life and breath, width and depth. With God, it’s Universal.

The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. – Mark 15:38

Give Us This Day…

In a couple of days, it will be the shortest day of the year for some people and the longest day of the year for others. On December 21st, in the Northern Hemisphere it will be the Winter Solstice and daylight hours will be fewer than any other day in the year, and at the same time, in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the Summer Solstice and daylight hours will be greater than any other day in the year. Other than in a geography class, long and far ago, I cannot say that I have ever really thought much about that prior to today. Yet, as I do, I think about how remarkable it is that no matter where one stands, and no matter how experiences may vary, far and wide, the promise is forever, and the parts, although they matter… they are never greater than the Whole.

The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her. – Luke 1:26-38

Filled with Expectation…

The other day as I was driving in the car with my daughter, I blew a bubble and then proceeded to pop it causing the chewing gum to make a snapping noise. My daughter looked at me and smiled, then commented on how she found it interesting that some things seem impossible and then after time, if you stick with them, they become possible. Although we were speaking about the challenge of learning how to blow bubbles, how to whistle, and other seemingly trivial feats, all that we spoke about involved the same process that is incurred in bigger matters and across much of life.

Time and again, on different levels and with varying intensity, the journey within the journey begins with a desire or a hope to, or for, something new or something more. Once we not only become aware of that desire, but also begin to pay closer attention to it, excitement and expectation often rise. We feel compelled to rush ahead, launching into exploration and diving fully into it. Or, we might feel hesitant, wanting only to touch the tip of a toe into it, or to run away from it, as we test the water, so to speak. Either way, the key is the same.

It is only through persistence in striving to be in union with God that we come to the place of fruition. It is God who plants all desires that are worthy, and it is through God that we come to know not only that we are chosen, but also for what.

As we continue to move forward into this New Year, may we be filled with expectation whose source is God, joy as a child learning “the impossible” and doing it for the very first time, and peace that comes not from what we choose, but from why we choose.

truepeace

The people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.” – Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

In the Way…

In the end, it is usually only one thing that gets in the way, time, and time again.

Throughout chapter ten of the Gospel according to Mark, one thing after another seems to be in the way. There are the Pharisees who see Jesus as being in the way and the disciples who see the people trying to bring the children to Jesus as being in the way. Then, the rich man’s possessions are in the way and the status of the disciples is in the way (when James and John ask to sit at the right and left of Jesus). Finally, there is Bartimaeus, the blind man, seen as being in the way by many in the crowd.

So what is the one thing that in the end is really in the way?

The answer starts, like many things, back at the beginning. In the first section of chapter ten, Jesus speaks about hardness of heart. To varying degrees, whether or not we are able to see and acknowledge it, none of us has a heart that is exempt from hardness. We all have moments, where our words, actions, or inclinations can be rigid and cold rather than pliable and warm.

Throughout the Bible, there are countless times when hardness of a heart(s) in one way or another prevents choices that are in union with God and one another. It can be difficult to recognize when hardness of heart is present or starts to build. However, like Bartimaeus, whether or not we may be in the way of others, we need not be afraid to set our hearts on the Lord, and let our guard down to cry out and say, “Master, I want to see.”

Mercy

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