Where Do You Hear God's Voice?

This past Wednesday we heard Jesus proclaim "I AM the Bread of Life." This Sunday we will hear him state "I AM the gate for the sheep". The next line in this passage from John, which for some reason was not included in this passage, is, "I AM the good shepherd". Jesus is speaking very clearly who he is and how he is related to the great I AM, God the Creator. The Jewish listeners of his day understood what he was saying, and as so many of them considered his statements blasphemy, this laid the groundwork for his crucifixion.

What does all this talk about sheep mean to us? In a picture I saw this week, (thank you NAFSCC, Easter Faith Sharing and Donna Ciangio, OP) a shepherd was depicted laying across the opening in the sheep enclosure. He was actually creating a gate with his body, at night, while the sheep slept. It meant that no sheep could wander out without him knowing about it, nor could a thief come into the enclosure, without his knowledge. He WAS the gate.

The picture reminded me of younger days when I was responsible for taking teens on co-ed retreats from parishes and schools. When evening came and it was time for kids to go to their bedrooms, the staff was very clear that boys would stay on one floor and girls on another and there would be no wandering around the retreat house, or into someone else's room at night. My staff, being aware that teens are still youngsters...chose a different team member each night to sleep in the middle of the stair well, so that no mischief would occur. We WERE the gate, in order to protect our young charges.

What does it mean to us today as adults that Jesus is the very Gate? Jesus promises us freedom to move in and out, and find safe pastures. The promise of freedom sounds good today, doesn't it? This freedom it seems, is only contingent on our ability and willingness to listen to the voice of the Shepherd who calls us by name--who knows us by name. The older I get the more I understand why our teachers called us 'honey' and 'dear' when we were younger...it's hard to remember so many names!

And yet, for God, it's not hard at all. How mind boggling it is to imagine that God knows each of us by our names, and wants to lead us into safe, refreshing pastures even in, or especially now, in a time of crisis in our world. Parents, I think, you most of all can understand this, because every moment of your days are filled with trying to keep your children safe, healthy and peaceful.

How do we hear God's voice in our world today? Who do we listen to in order to hear God's holy truth? Whose voice do we trust to lead us to the 'abundant life' God promises?

These are really questions well worth discernment aren't they? Voices surround us all day long, claiming to speak the truth, in politics, in church, in society, how do we know who to trust? So much noise around us, all the time, can make our heads spin. It's impossible to think clearly, let alone discern where God's truth lives.

It is at moments like this when I find myself reclaiming my belief in the most fundamental truths of our faith, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Our tradition tells us that the fruits of the Spirit are: according to Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Therefore, decisions and actions I contribute to or make that lead to these wonderful virtues, must be of God and therefore, a part of God's truth, leading us on the path to abundant life.

Anything thing that leads to discord, anger, hatred and harm to another, that takes life away my brother or sister, is not of the Spirit.

When I think about the choices I make in this way, it doesn't quite seem as complicated. The Hebrew Scripture instructs us, always and at all times to "Choose Life".

So I guess that's the bottom line: we hear God's voice in those who challenge us to love one another, especially the weakest among us. It's certainly not easy, but it is what we are called to do as Christians.

Who Are You Walking With Today?

This Sunday's Gospel is a favorite of so many of us; the story of the road to Emmaus. There's a lot to like in this Easter Sunday appearance.

The mystery of why the disciples didn't recognize Jesus,
the utter humanity of their sorrow and surprise at his apparent ignorance of the week's events.
His seeming playfulness with them.
The suspense of knowing what will come when they sit down to table together and
the wonder of what happens there.
The passion that causes their race back to Jerusalem and the others to share what had happened to them.

My focus rests today on the companionship of the two disciples, as well as lengths that Jesus goes to in order to explain lessons of scripture to them both. I put before myself and you, two simple questions: who are you spending these days with and what are you learning today?

One of the beautiful aspects of this story is the message of accompaniment. Those two disciples, in their sorrow after Good Friday, are off on a journey together. I would imagine their conversation to be one where they are trying to figure out what had just happened, where things had somehow gone 'wrong', what their next steps might be, what would the future look like going ahead. They surely consoled one another. Maybe at some points there were tears, hopefully a moment or two of fond memories of the time they shared with Jesus and some laughter.

When Jesus enters into their conversation, the care he takes to help them understand scripture, to teach them what they need to know in order to put those recent events into some kind of understanding is such a loving thing for him to do. He's trying to give them the tools they will need as they move forward into the future. Setting them up for success as disciples in the days to come.

Who are your companions today, during these days of uncertainty? Who are you sharing life with? How are you helping one another to cope with the unknown? What are the stories you share and how are you hopeful for whatever the future may bring? How are you praying with one another?

What are you learning today? How are you stretching your mind and heart? How are you growing so as to be better prepared to be a more loving, more thoughtful disciple when we are allowed to go forth and move out of our Pandemic caves, and back into a world searching for new ways to be connected as community?

We don't know how long we will be living in this uncertainty. Let's do our best to use this time well and to value our companions on this journey. The world will need us to be prepared when we come out of our homes, to be creative new thinking disciples for the community we will be re entering. Until then, cherish your companions on this journey.

Easter Surprises

The liturgies of this first week in the octave of Easter offer us a variety of stories of Jesus' post resurrection appearances. He's just popping up everywhere, through doors, on the shore, in the garden...in his resurrected body, no one recognizes him at first glance and he has to calm them down, offering both his peace and his Holy Spirit.

What are we to make of this today, in a time when everything in our lives is just a little bit 'off'? Our lives are so very different from one month ago, and we are still trying to adjust to whatever this new normal is, wondering if this is what life will continue to be like moving forward from here? Doesn't this sound like where the disciples might have found themselves after Jesus' death, and then hearing rumors of his resurrection? What is going on? What is real? How will this change how we live our lives going forward? What are we supposed to be doing? Yup, we have a lot in common with those first disciples I think!

Reality check: Jesus is still appearing to us today, if we but have the eyes and hearts to see him in our present reality! His presence is easily seen in all those persons who are seen as first responders and essential workers today. I have nothing but profound appreciation for the folks who work in grocery stores, putting themselves in harm's way so I can put food on my table. I'm trying to be extra kind at the checkout counter. Jesus is present to us in the kindness of others. Who shows you the face of Jesus during these stress filled days? For whom are we the face of Jesus?

Jesus keeps trying to 'explain Scripture' to them as well as teaching them about offering forgiveness and offering them peace.

We certainly could use these days to pray and learn a bit more about scripture. Can we find time to do this on our own or with others? (check out the Small Christian Community offering for Easter Faith Sharing on Facebook/Zoom on April 22!)
Peace and forgiveness seem to go hand in hand don't they?  Our hearts are never really peaceful if we are at odds with a sister or brother. During these days when we are confined with family, when stresses arise, it makes more sense to figure out how to address our conflicts gently and compassionately rather than let frustrations build up to the point where we either blow up or have an ulcer. But that is surely not easy to do, and for many of us, not our usual behavior. Most of us I think, prefer to avoid conflict as long as humanly possible. Jesus offers us peace and his Spirit of wisdom, wisdom to know when to speak and when to hold my peace. (or in my case, hold my tongue!)

Can you hear Jesus offer you his Spirit and his gift of Peace this week? Where will Jesus show himself to you today? Where will you show Jesus to someone else this week? Peace be with each of us today and always.

Ready or Not

And here we are in the midst of Holy Week, whether we're ready or not.

Given that we are celebrating our Sacred Triduum from our own living rooms and kitchens I find myself pondering what is the essence of each of these days? What are the essential truths of these liturgies and can I pray with those truths even if I'm not gathered with others physically in the same space? Whether I can or not isn't really up for discussion, I must find a way.

What are the moments in Holy Week that you love the best? How will you pray those moments this year?

I am always moved by the foot washing, the retelling of the last supper narrative, the idea of service, the mystery and wonder of the incredible gift of the Eucharist and the quiet prayer at the altar of repose when the Holy Thursday service is done...the sense of humility that comes through on Good Friday, the pain in the retelling of the crucifixion, and then just the absolute glory of the Easter miracle.

How will we pray these days? Will we take the time to pray with the readings from our liturgies at home, with friends on a group chat? Can I look for some intentional quiet in my day to ponder the mystery of the passion of Christ? Will I eat my meals more prayerfully? What music might I choose to listen to to surround my soul in prayerful melody?

I think I'm going to bake bread on Thursday and really pray about the gift of Jesus's self in the Eucharist...as well as wonder and gratitude for the gift of faith in that Eucharist.
On Friday, maybe I'll take a quiet walk, (of course keeping a safe distance from others) remembering Jesus' walk to Calvary...

I'm a bit at a loss as to what to do on Easter Sunday. It's hard to think of not being with church family and birth family and friends for services, for a special meal, for the laughter and fun. Perhaps a walk down to the river to just sit and watch the water glisten in the sunlight (I'm hoping for sunlight!!) I will find a way to hum a little Alleluia song somewhere on Sunday. I will remember the despite our present reality, the truth of Easter is that Love always wins...and yes, even this year, Love will win.

I pray that these days are most special for each of us, that we realize we are being given the gift of a retreat time with Jesus, that we didn't even ask for! May we use these holy days well, and may we discover the blessings that God has in store for us!

Peace and Easter blessings to one and all!

What Is Palm Sunday Without the Palms?

Is it really possible that this Sunday is Palm Sunday? This has truly been a strange Lenten season for us all! Now we stand here before the holiest of weeks for us as Catholics with the knowledge that we will not be together for any of our most sacred and treasured rituals. There is a real sense of loss for many of us.

And yet, today is a bright and sunny day, the earth is coming back to life, tulips are popping up in the park next door to me, and it seems like the birds are chirping "Alleluia".

How odd it is to feel both the heaviness of our present social reality and the joy and expectation that comes with springtime flowers and fresh air. Both my brain and my spirit seem discombobulated. I don't know what to feel.

I've always felt the crush of a week's time when we read and pray the Palm Sunday liturgy. We know the story: the week begins with a bang, Jesus is being treated like a rock star. Parades, praise and palm branches are all the rage. Even as we listen to or read the passion narrative, we know in our very bones that before the week is out, those same people will be shouting "Crucify him!" How very fickle we human beings are. How easily we can be swayed by the influencers in the crowd. Perhaps Jesus felt this same heaviness of heart that we know now...caught between joy, hope and sadness. Wishing that things might be different, knowing they can't be.

The reading from Isaiah reminds us of who the Suffering Servant is. Traditionally early Christians came to associate this character with the person of Jesus. Today, as we look at the many who are working so hard on the 'front lines' to keep us safe and well cared for: doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists as well as grocery employees, chefs, delivery persons, supers and janitors, I wonder if they aren't our suffering servants in 2020. Let us hold them close in our prayer this week.

"Morning after morning" may God open our ears that we may hear his word in the midst of this holiest of weeks. What is God asking us to learn today? How will we mark this Holy Week in our living rooms and kitchens? What kind of rituals can we share with one another while we are at home? If you are with your family, might you read the gospel of the Last Supper and do a foot washing with one another? Will we turn off Netflix on Friday at 3pm? If you're by yourself can you read the passion narrative and unite your prayer with the rest of the world ?

Do we really need palms to remember that Jesus is our King and our Savior? That his suffering and death is the greatest act of love the world has ever known. Palms are a fun 'take home' for sure, but maybe this year we are being given the opportunity to really focus on the point of the story: Jesus' crazy unbelievable love for us. Just as we are, human, frail, broken and weak. Jesus loves us any way.

As we enter into Holy Week 2020, how will we receive this tremendous gift of love, and, how will we share it with one another?

Lenten Surprises

What are we learning these days of our Corona Virus Lent?

Facebook has all sorts of comical references to what it's like to have kids at home doing school work while mom and dad try to work at home too.

There are also plenty of references to who our real super heroes are today...health care professionals, teachers, grocery store employees, truckers, (I'd include sanitation workers too...can you imagine....??)

This morning when I was praying, I found myself thinking of and praying for our parish families and wondered how they were coping. So, I sent a note out to some of them, just to let them know I was thinking of them.

I was happily surprised by the responses I got. To a family, every one responded that they were enjoying the time that they had been given to spend together as a family. They were playing games, reading stories, cooking and baking...just absolutely reveling in enjoying their time together.  How great is that?? No snarky FB memes here...just really busy city families grateful for the chance to slow down and appreciate one another.

What a precious gift from God!
What's even better is that we are recognizing this time as a gift!

Sure, it's hard to slow down, and it's hard to stay inside and it's hard to not have every food item on hand that I might crave.

But it's lots of fun to pick a different part of my family each night and sit down in front of the computer at 5 pm and share a glass of wine or ice tea and chat about our days.

Fr Kelly will attest to the truth that a few weeks ago when we were mandated to stop hugging and shaking hands, I was having a really hard time with that. Deep down I think I was afraid that if we stopped greeting each other with that familial hug, we would forget how to do this before too long.

I'm not afraid of that anymore. I can see how we are all longing for community and looking forward to the days to come when be within 6 feet of one another again. I am moved by the ways in which we are looking out for one another and looking for ways to offer help and comfort. I am heartened by the awareness that by staying apart from each other, we are, in fact, showing great love and care for one another.

I've often wondered why in the gospel story of the raising of Lazarus, Jesus waited two days before making his way to Martha and Mary. Why didn't he go to them immediately?

I still don't know the answer to that, but I'm caught by the similarity of circumstance. Surely he wanted to be there, just as we long to be together today. There was a reason he stayed away. We know what our reasons are today.

Surprisingly enough, at least to me, the glory of God is being shown in the loving ways we are learning to be together, to help one another, to care for and pray for one another. I sense with every fiber of my being that this time apart will make us so much stronger when we come back together.

And for that I am so very grateful.

So, enjoy your family, your solitude, your spouse...
Enjoy the slower pace, the beautiful chaos of all sharing the same space...
Be patient and loving and kind with one another.
Take time to be by yourself when you can, even if the bathroom is the only private place in your apartment...
Bake cookies, eat salads, enjoy the taste of the meals you prepare.

Celebrate these days. For soon enough we will go back to our regularly over scheduled lives. I hope and pray that when that day comes, we will remember what we are learning now, about what is truly important, and hold on to the important with both hands.

Lenten Reflections on a Pandemic

I apologize. I'm not sure where the heck I've been in the last seven months...and how that much time has gone past, but here we are, and, since we've all become a bit more homebound than we're used to, I figured now was a good time to get back into the practice of blogging!

I've been reflecting on this a lot lately...at the beginning of Lent I had prayed for the grace to slow down my life a bit. I felt like I had been running around at such a crazy pace, at least internally, that I needed to consciously slow it down. Bur really Lord, I just meant me..., not the whole world!

So, I'm gonna take a deep breath and focus a bit on the Sunday coming up. It was really quite a surprise to me how very much I missed being together with everyone at church. I missed my community. Today as a staff we gathered in the church, keeping a safe distance from one another, we videotaped liturgy for the 4th Sunday of Lent. As I noticed the maintenance man join us, my heart swelled a bit. I love these people I work with, and how fortunate I felt to be able to share this liturgy with them after being absent from one another for even one week. "Fasting" is taking on a whole other significance for me this Lent. It's not so much about food on Fridays as it is the presence of others in my life. The opportunity for human connections. Those every day hugs and greetings that we take for granted.

But I digress. This Sundays' gospel is the story of the healing of the blind man. The constant refrain in this story is the question of what happened to him. He was blind, now he can see. Was he really blind? Who was the one who sinned, as if that were the cause of the blindness? Is he your son? Was he blind? Who healed you? Are you a sinner? What happened for real? And the blind man answers only "I don't know. I was blind, he touched my eyes and now I can see."

His parents don't understand what happened. The pharisees don't want to understand. The man himself really doesn't know what happened, but he sure is grateful, I'd bet. And when Jesus invites him to believe in the Son of Man, the man is all to willing to accept this invitation.
By the end of the story, we understand that the folks who were blind in this parable were the pharisees and all the folks who couldn't or wouldn't believe in Jesus. A very cool turn of events if you ask me.

Where are we blind today in our lives? In these days of Covad 19 what do we refuse to see clearly? In the face of the horrible stories of illness and death, of hoarding and doctors being forced to decide who gets a respirator and who doesn't, of disregarding advice from medical experts and being foolish or callous in the face of an unknown virus, perhaps what we are blind to are the simple human virtues that we need to call upon today: charity, kindness, a love for our neighbor. A willingness to share (do we really need all that toilet paper?)

The question I keep asking myself is this: What does all this have to do with my own lenten journey?
Fr Neil would surely be asking: Where is Jesus in all of this?

Have you pondered that for yourself yet? What is the connection between your Lenten Journey and what's going on in the world around you? I'd be curious to know what you discover for yourself. I know there's much to learn here, and like the blind man, much I need to see.

Will we have the grace and courage to open our eyes and see what Jesus is inviting us to discover?