Unity

Many Hearts, One Body

The wind blew steady, silencing the sound of the waves. In some spots, it blew sand across the beach and in others it simply blew. All in all, though, as we journeyed along the coastline, it consistently nudged us ahead or slowed us down depending on the direction in which we walked.

At times the constancy of the wind was so harsh it conjured thoughts of stopping and turning back. However, as we walked together, the elements seemed to meld us together, making us one. We spoke… and we listened as we reminisced, sought advice, remembered loved ones, and shared hopes and dreams. We found gratitude, encouragement, and joy in one another.

In the Spirit of love and companionship we found the wherewithal to keep walking. None of us realized just how far we had come from our starting point until we stopped and looked back in amazement. The wind was still present and very noticeable, but the thoughts of turning back or abandoning the path ahead had vanished completely. Despite all that might seek to work against us, together, we journeyed, and together, we experienced the Glory of God. Alleluia!

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15

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Emerging Grace…

It is a most joyous occasion for all, when the light one carries within burns brightly, emerging into an outward glow.

At the time of birth, we all shine with a radiance that is unmatched—beautiful and unblemished. Our light, new to those already in the world, is received magnanimously, often with open hearts, steadfast love, and faithful hope. In fact, the thoughts and feelings engendered by even just the announcement of impending birth often stirs hearts and minds to great anticipation and excitement. Perhaps it is because the unblemished Love within us recognizes and longs for the companionship and unblemished Love within others.

We delight in this Love and welcome it as Good News. It is unquestionable and so easy to see and to embrace. When faced with the knowledge of new life, the Spirit of connection… of Oneness and Unity that resides within each of us cries out. As we move about each day, the same Spirit is with us. A constant companion, with a desire to fill each thirst and hunger within, to help us to see the new life that is all around us, waiting to come to life, waiting to be received, with the same openness and joy that we hold at the time of birth. The Spirit abides within us and moves us toward God and one another, as in the moment the infant in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy (Luke 1:44). How do we respond?

O God, restore us;
light up your face and we shall be saved. – Psalm 80:4

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More than You and Me…

Any unity which does not have its origin in the multitudes is tyranny. – Blaise Pascal

It can be wonderful how a sense of togetherness can propel us to new heights. Unity bridges the gap, closing the chasm that can be created by differences of any kind. Oftentimes, the joy that accompanies unity helps in continuing on the path toward the wisdom and knowledge of what to let go of and how to rise above all that may stand in the way.

In the book, Confession, Leo Tolstoy wrote, “I understood, not with my intellect but with my whole being, that no theories of the rationality of existence or of progress could justify such an act; I realized that even if all the people in the world from the day of creation found this to be necessary according to whatever theory, I knew that it was not necessary and that it was wrong. Therefore, my judgments must be based-on what is right and necessary and not on what people say and do; I must judge not according to progress but according to my own heart.” This statement was written about an execution that the author had witnessed in the mid-1800s, but the insight it shares, is timeless.

Oftentimes, the intentions of those in charge or a group united in purpose can be mistaken for unity. However, unity is both powerful and healing in all directions, not just on one side. It is not the child of negotiation or compromise to reach agreement, but rather embodies a spirit of choosing right doing whatever that might entail. By oneself or in self-interest… without God, unity simply cannot be.

Standing together is fine, but standing in unity is best.

Jesus summoned the twelve and said to them,
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles
lord it over them,
and their great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served
but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

– Mark 10:42-45

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Many Dimensions Make Music…

The auditorium was full of people of all ages and backgrounds watching, listening and taking in the music that filled the air. As diverse as the crowd, were the students on stage and the music they performed. Between all the different ensembles (jazz, camerata choir, concert chorus, drumline, orchestra, and concert band) that performed it was remarkable to experience the many dimensions of both music and instruments. It was also moving to witness the result, or the fruit, of the time and effort spent working, at times alone and at times together, to learn and perform musical pieces with melody and in harmony… supporting one another toward the same end. So many pieces, so many dimensions, yet all in unity. Truly beautiful, and so very soulful!

Like music, many things, including humanity, are at their best, inspirational and Spirit-filled, when they are multi-dimensional. The more single note or single flavor something or someone is, typically, the more it is also uninspired and on its way to becoming less than, stalled or altogether extinguished. This is not how it is intended to be.

We are all created with a body, mind, and spirit. We are multi-dimensional from the very beginning, before we can even really do anything. Not only that, we are also created in the image of a multi-dimensional God. A God whom we can experience through each of our senses, and in so many ways, through so many avenues (e.g. prayer, music, nature, art, literature, etc.).

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty.” – Revelation 1:8

With a God who is all encompassing… the beginning, the end, and everything in between… a God who is in the past, the present, and the future, all at once—beyond total human comprehension—our faith is called to be the same—bigger and broader than we can imagine—multi-dimensional. For that is what faith, as well as each of us, is capable of, whether we believe it or not. With and through God, and each other, we are always more… always greater than what we could ever be on our own.

Just like the music student who is called to learn and practice the piece of music both on their own and together with their fellow student musicians, we are called to learn and practice our faith on our own with God as well as together. In this way, we allow our hearts and souls to be moved, and our minds to be stretched, so that each breath that stirs us into action may arise from the depths of our being, guided by a Love so profound and beyond understanding, that all we can do is our part to listen in order to be in harmony, and in awe, of the beautiful music.

In each moment, in every situation, with each day, there is music waiting to be made.

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Fruitcake…

At each step along the way, whether rocky and disjointed, or smooth and sure, invitation awaits, promise exists, and fulfillment is upon the horizon.

“We are constantly invited to be who we are.” – Henry David Thoreau

Who we are, and who we aspire to be, can lead us in many different directions. Sometimes it can be hard to know which way to go. It can be tempting to go only where the path is more predictable and “certain”, to be drawn into misplacing priorities, to hold onto that which may be intended to be temporary, or to let go and walk away too easily.

Despite all that occurs in the world, or in our lives, and that can cause parts of us to become rigid, who we are calls us to be flexible. While there is much in society that attempts to pull our hearts toward being secure in or through ourselves and others, rather than in and through God, who we are calls us to be fluid… open to guidance and direction, nurturing and pruning, by God—the vine grower (John 15:1).

Jesus said, “Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5).

Jesus is reminding us, who we are. Telling us who our lifeline is, and that if we’re going to hold onto, grasp, or cling, let it be to God. Let it be to the Love that sustains and gives life.

Each of us is created in the image of, and out of, Love. A Love that calls us to embody itself and be a presence of love in the world. At the same time, we are also called to allow ourselves to be loved by others. For Love is the source of all fruit that is born.

Love is the driving force of life. Not just a passing affection or surface desire, but a deep, never ending Love. One that connects all living things to one another, and that is neither bound by space nor time.

To love well, or to bear much fruit, requires honest work and cooperation. It is ongoing. It stretches, builds, and challenges us, and can only be truly done in communion with God and one another. It cannot be accomplished in a vacuum, or on an island, so to speak. Nor can it be only alongside those who seem more pleasant to be around or more agreeable. Attached to the Vine, amid many branches, and all through the Vine Grower, there are many ways of bearing fruit as well as many kinds of fruit to bear.

Bearing fruit… extending Love in its many splendid forms to all is the essence in which we are created. It is who we are, who we are called to be, and what we are called to honor. It is to be at all times, and in all places, and most importantly, it is always through the grace of God.

 

FruitCakePost

 

Hope Restored… Bridges Rebuilt… No Thing Impossible…

These days there is much that can cause one to say, “I see it, but I don’t believe it!” The unbelievable and unreal seem so common place. It is so much so that the far out or absurd is no longer shocking, but rather quietly, silently absorbed into what seems like the disintegrating fabric of society. However, amidst the clouds of confusion and within the fragments of sense and sensibility, there is faith. Sometimes waiting to be discovered or rekindled, sometimes on the verge of becoming more broad or deepened.

The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own
but they had everything in common.
With great power the apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need. – Acts 4:32-35

Unbelievable! Not only a community of believers, but one of the same heart and mind working and living side-by-side. Unity… accepting differences, learning from each other, and using the ways in which we are unique (our God-given gifts and talents) to strengthen us as we strive toward a common goal (to love God, and to love one another). Unity! So wonderful, but seemingly impossible in our times. One might say, “I won’t believe it, until I see it.”

The disciple Thomas essentially said, “I won’t believe it, until I see it” (John 20:19-31). Perhaps all that he had experienced and witnessed in his life along with his knowledge of Jesus and the crucifixion, coupled with dashed hopes and shattered expectations, led Thomas to the conclusion that things were broken beyond repair. Perhaps, “I won’t believe it, until I see it,” was, “My hopes have been crushed…my trust broken. My heart cannot take any more… I need to see it (proof) for myself.” And what is Jesus’ response? He gives Thomas what he needs, and then reminds him, as well as us, to keep the faith—believe. Despite what you may or may not see, believe.

With God, there is always hope and, where there is an open heart and mind, there is nothing… absolutely nothing beyond some kind of repair.

Our life is full of brokenness – broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives.

– Henri Nouwen

Bridge

The Flock…

As I gazed out across the quiet, mostly still water, there were a number of Canadian geese slowly making their way to the other side of the pond. They appeared to be in a sort of formation. It was one that could be labeled more interesting or captivating than their typical landside behavior and the annoyance caused by the parting “gifts” they often leave behind.

Although the geese were not in a straight line, they were all pretty much in a row. They were moving together, eventually all in the same direction and with a similar, if not the same, purpose. They were united, even if only by the species to which they belong; not all that different than any other species.

Oftentimes amidst disagreement or unrest, it may seem that all we have is the knowledge that we are the same, but also simultaneously not the same.

When at an impasse, it can be tempting to throw up one’s hands and not only walk away, but also to stay away. While sometimes, this is necessary and perhaps truly for the best, Jesus cautions his disciples not to do so too easily or too quickly. For even in weighing the pros and cons and allowing them to inform and guide decisions, the heart—in all its depth, and holding knowledge of a different kind—can be left behind or squeezed out.

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If your brother sins against you,
go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.
If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
If he does not listen,
take one or two others along with you,
so that ‘every fact may be established
on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church.
If he refuses to listen even to the church,
then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.
Amen, I say to you,
whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Again, amen, I say to you,
if two of you agree on earth
about anything for which they are to pray,
it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:15-20

We are to help each other to stay true… to stay in formation—connected—so that we do not get lost and so that the equation does not leave cunning intellect and surface emotions to dominate and direct rather than Wisdom.

In the final analysis, I believe in man, in spite of men – Elie Wiesel

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Written in the Sky…

Diversity is a gift that can open one’s eyes to varying perspectives and bring to light the beauty of creation in all its different forms. When coupled with a sense of unity; a desire to be united and recognition that we are one, as Love calls us to be, diversity can bring out the best of the human race.

St. Albert the Great wrote, “It is by the path of love, which is charity, that God draws near to man, and man to God. But where charity is not found, God cannot dwell. If, then, we possess charity, we possess God, for ‘God is Charity’ (1 John 4:8).” One of his students, Italian Dominican friar St. Thomas Aquinas, by influence of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, wrote, “To love is to will the good of the other.” Whether Italian or Greek, it’s all the same. We, all humans, are created and called to love, to live in light (not darkness) and to bear witness to both. So then, what is one to do when confronted with or by those who don’t operate this way?

First and foremost, remember the truth. Who am I before God? Then, calling this to mind, stay focused and be faithful, trusting in the goodness of God.

“Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
Because of it the ancients were well attested.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

It can be hard to trust and to stay focused when we do not see what we hope to see. All the same though, faith calls me to persevere and persist. And, in turn, if I cooperate, God enables me to do so. It is in this way, that faith beckons me to receive grace upon grace, to be strengthened and filled with hope, allowing me to trust, even when there may not be any physical signs for me to see.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place
that he was to receive as an inheritance;
he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
By faith he sojourned in the Promised Land as in a foreign country,
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
for he was looking forward to the city with foundations,
whose architect and maker is God.
By faith he received power to generate,
even though he was past the normal age
and Sarah herself was sterile,
for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.
So it was that there came forth from one man,
himself as good as dead,
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky
and as countless as the sands on the seashore.” – Hebrews 11:8-12

Abraham focused on being faithful to God. God took care of and provided for Abraham and his descendants. Everything else fell into place…eventually.

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Ready. Set. Open!

“You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.” – Indira Ghandi

Not only can you NOT shake hands with a clenched fist but there are also many other things you cannot do with a clenched fist. Perhaps from a more positive perspective…with a clenched fist, I can do very few productive and life-giving things. In fact, one could say that there is very little I can do with a clenched fist that I can truly feel good about.

When I imagine a clenched fist, what comes to mind first is fighting. Quickly behind that are the image of a wall and the idea of a stronghold of determination…determination to defend, hold on to and preserve at all costs. At some point I have to ask myself what am I defending and at what cost, not only to myself, but also to those around me, and those on the other side of the table?

Another question, who am I serving? Am I fighting to defend or to hold on to a universal truth or value? Or, am I fighting to maintain the illusion that I am in control? If it is the latter, I am pretty much slamming the door in the face of openness and all the possibilities that may lie ahead. What could be! If only that fist would open and that wall be taken down.

In the movie based on Roald Dahl’s book, Matilda, the father says to Matilda, “Listen, you little wiseacre: I’m smart, you’re dumb; I’m big, you’re little; I’m right, you’re wrong, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” What a great example of the attitude behind a clenched fist!

It is sad to experience and to think about how much is lost or destroyed as a result of clenched fists; the potential that is never seen, never given a chance to develop. It is disappointing when that which a group or an individual has to offer, when their gifts and what makes them special, creates a barrier to meaningful work and the development of mutually beneficial relationships; when it causes division or angst instead of unity and acceptance and an environment where the greater good is the focus.

With clenched fists, nobody wins. There can only be peace and unity, working together and building up, and authentic collaboration where there is an open fist…open hands…open minds and open hearts. Where there is a willingness to let go, to lay aside what is comfortable and what is “known,” and to come to the table with a desire to learn from that which is new and different, to accept others as they are and to give them, and ourselves, the room (love, encouragement, patience, kindness, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness) to grow.

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Take Me Out to the Ballgame…

I remember the excitement with which I attended my first professional baseball game. I was about 7 or 8 years old. As an athlete and a lover of all things sports related, I was extremely happy to be going to Fenway Park with my parents and one of my siblings. I recall the crowds, the noise, the vendors (“Get ya program heeere!”), the field, the hotdogs, Pesky’s Pole, the announcer’s voice, seeing the players that I knew from watching games on TV or listening to them on the radio, and more. Of all these things though, what struck me most was the singing of the national anthem, the 7th inning stretch complete with the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”, and all the moments in between and after where the crowd was in unison. At the time, I remember thinking and feeling that it was the most awesome thing, I had ever experienced.

More than three decades later, I still find the singing of the national anthem and the 7th inning stretch to be so moving. It is similar to those moments at a graduation or a concert where people from all walks of life are joined together for the same purpose, and in the same spirit. It is as if the human spirit is overflowing in joy, anticipation, excitement and celebration. There is a sense of togetherness…a sense of unity. It is exhilarating!

In those moments, what “side” we are on, ceases to matter. For in those moments, we are one. United, and all the things that cause division are gone, at least temporarily. How precious those moments! How brightly we shine, or rather, how brightly the Spirit shines within and through us.

I cannot imagine such things (a national anthem, graduation, concert, etc.) without openness to the Spirit from which active participation springs. Imagine what it would be like if instead of singing a national anthem, we spoke it, or, if instead of clapping with applause, we just stood there silently or gave only a nod of approval. How bizarre would that be? It would be spiritless. I don’t think there is any way we would accept such a lackluster response!

Imagine if that was the norm at such events though. Would we continue to attend them? Would they mean less to us? It certainly seems like we would be less apt to attend or to participate.

I wonder…why are we less open…why do we accept less in some areas of our lives as compared to others? What determines how actively we participate? Again, imagine how less invigorating the start of a ball game would be if we spoke the national anthem instead of singing it; or imagine what it would be like to be at a concert and to not be standing, clapping and/or singing along.

What is the difference between those moments where I so readily unleash the Spirit within and allow myself to participate fully, in communion with those around me and the moments when I do not? What holds me back? What prevents my heart from being in those moments?

How different the world is when that Spirit is present. What a difference it makes!