Dear Ladies,
I have been working hard on this latest blog. Honest! I have been writing, citing sources and editing. I have been contemplating kenosis, death, suffering, and holy week. And what have I come up with? A lot of interesting academic work that probably nobody wants to read. I have been discussing how kenosis and suffering have been used to keep women and the poor and oppressed in their place. I have been writing about how oppression is contrary to the will of God. Then a good friend sent a link from another theology blog, Experimental Theology, which ably discussed the same thing. Well.
Then I got to thinking about Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. This is where Jesus emptied Himself so that God could enter: Kenosis. (Our kenotic relationship with God only merits a small 'k': kenosis.) If we were to see Jesus suffer and sweat blood, would our first thought be "what are the socio-economic implications?" I hope not. Our thoughts should be along the lines of "how can we alleviate the suffering?" Most likely we would be like to disciples, focused on our own pain.
Now I'm not trying to say that wrongful use of theology isn't worth talking about. I'm just saying that there comes a point when we walk the path or we don't. It's time to walk the path.
So, what did Jesus ask us to do? He asked us to sit with Him in his suffering. Just sit there with Him. Strange to think that our mere presence is pleasing to God, isn't it?
Have you ever taken the time to wonder what Jesus would say to you if you were to ask "Lord, what are you doing? Can you teach me to open myself to God as you do?" I think He would probably say something like this:
Be who you are.
Let the rest go.
Allow God to enter.
Obviously this isn't an easy thing to do. Jesus sweat blood. He was there for hours. AND He already had practice living a life totally reliant on God. Notice that the difficulty isn't in becoming somebody different or fulfilling a role imposed on you. The difficulty lies in accepting who you are and letting everything else go.
Luckily, God has given us aids along the way. What pops immediately to mind is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and confession. I love going to adoration because all you do is sit there quietly and be yourself. The fact that Jesus is there is an added bonus.
Confession is a whole other matter. A few weeks ago I wouldn't have bothered writing about it. Why? Because, well, it's complicated. Suffice it to say my childhood was really, really messed up (as many sadly are) and for many years I didn't know which way was up, much less worry about sins. Then later I didn't want to hear how terrible I was. (I was often told by my mother that I was a whore, a failure, and an idiot. I was none of those.) I just didn't think I could bear any more criticism just for existing.
But a few weeks ago I went. By the time I got to the confessional I was shaking. By the time I sat down I was bawling my eyes out. Name my sins? Forget about it! I nearly ran out of there! But the priest was kind and compassionate. He told me that God loves me and that I am enough. Obviously I know that. I've been writing about it for years. I've been telling that to others. And yet I was so afraid. Nay, terrified.
When I left I felt like a new person. I was giddy in love because my love was returned.
I'm only writing this because I think people can get funny ideas about church and religion. For me, if it's not practical it's useless. I just want people to know that there are things that have existed for millenea to help us grow in faith. These are the things that say "all life has value - regardless of past mistakes and weaknesses. You are important. You are irreplaceable to God and to others." We are told over and over again that these things are put in place to control us. Maybe others used these things to control and abuse. But those particular voices live in fear. I have lived too much of my life in the fear of my own inadequacies. Am I perfect? Far from it. The idea is laughable. But I can tell you that when enough people who believe in the salvific power of love get together, it changes the world. Ask the ancient Romans. Ask the Soviet Union about Pope John Paul II's trip to Poland. Ask why Christian churches all over the world are being targeted.
All because you have worth. All you have to do is claim it.
Be who you are.
Let the rest go.
Allow God to enter.
May God continue to bless you!
This entry is dedicated to The Lovely Claire. I hope you like it.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Saturday, February 8, 2014
A Meditation on Suffering
Hello Ladies,
Lately I have been asked to give a reflection to a bible study based on the book of Isaiah. After it was done several people asked me for my notes. They said they liked the reflection. Maybe they were being nice. But then I thought, hey, why not put it up on my blog?
So without further ado I humbly offer a fuller version of my notes on how to read the book of Isaiah.
What is the purpose of studying the Bible? One way to approach the Bible is to think of it as a history of God's self revelation of his love for us. It is, in essence, a love story, a how-to manual between the lover (God) and the beloved (you, me, all of humanity). This is a story that will never end. God does not change so we must allow God's love to change us. As we change, we become more like God, who is Love.
How do we enter into this relationship? Variations of this question have been asked throughout all of time. God call us, but how can God, who is All, call us without, well, squishing us like a bug? Nicholas of Cusa asked this question of God and God answered thusly: Be yours and I too will be yours. Yes, the answer is to be yourself and God will be yours. In order to be yourself you must know yourself. In order to know God you must enter into a unique relationship with God.
So who is our lover? How has God chosen to reveal himself to us? For this we will look at Isaiah 53:1-12 NRSV.
53 Who has believed what we have heard?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by others;
a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity;
and as one from whom others hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him of no account.
4 Surely he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have all turned to our own way,
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8 By a perversion of justice he was taken away.
Who could have imagined his future?
For he was cut off from the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people.
9 They made his grave with the wicked
and his tomb with the rich,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain.
When you make his life an offering for sin,
he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days;
through him the will of the Lord shall prosper.
11 Out of his anguish he shall see light;
he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge.
The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he poured out himself to death,
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Lately I have been asked to give a reflection to a bible study based on the book of Isaiah. After it was done several people asked me for my notes. They said they liked the reflection. Maybe they were being nice. But then I thought, hey, why not put it up on my blog?
So without further ado I humbly offer a fuller version of my notes on how to read the book of Isaiah.
What is the purpose of studying the Bible? One way to approach the Bible is to think of it as a history of God's self revelation of his love for us. It is, in essence, a love story, a how-to manual between the lover (God) and the beloved (you, me, all of humanity). This is a story that will never end. God does not change so we must allow God's love to change us. As we change, we become more like God, who is Love.
How do we enter into this relationship? Variations of this question have been asked throughout all of time. God call us, but how can God, who is All, call us without, well, squishing us like a bug? Nicholas of Cusa asked this question of God and God answered thusly: Be yours and I too will be yours. Yes, the answer is to be yourself and God will be yours. In order to be yourself you must know yourself. In order to know God you must enter into a unique relationship with God.
So who is our lover? How has God chosen to reveal himself to us? For this we will look at Isaiah 53:1-12 NRSV.
53 Who has believed what we have heard?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by others;
a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity;
and as one from whom others hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him of no account.
4 Surely he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have all turned to our own way,
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8 By a perversion of justice he was taken away.
Who could have imagined his future?
For he was cut off from the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people.
9 They made his grave with the wicked
and his tomb with the rich,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain.
When you make his life an offering for sin,
he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days;
through him the will of the Lord shall prosper.
11 Out of his anguish he shall see light;
he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge.
The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he poured out himself to death,
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Let's carry this through to what Christians believe is the fulfillment of this passage. (Philippians 2:5-11 NRSV)
5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Our beloved suffers for love of us!
Since God suffers for us and we are to be like God, I am going to make four points concerning suffering.
Point 1 - The world is full of reasons why you should suffer. I have been told I should suffer because I am a woman, because of my looks, my education, my accent, my income, and my place of birth. God did not put you on this earth to suffer. You may suffer to do the will of God. Look at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta as an example. She did no more and no less of what was asked of her. She did not believe that anyone should suffer the loss of human dignity. Never once did she give up her dignity to restore dignity to others. Never.
Point 2 - The world will never understand that we suffer for love of others. The world likes to choose winners, not those who give day after day for no apparent reward. This includes mothers and fathers, caregivers, social rights workers, religious, volunteers, and anyone who goes the extra mile for others and asks for nothing in return. Do not ask for permission or validation from the world.
Point 3 - Why suffer? This is an interesting one. The world didn't understand why Jesus suffered and died. His followers didn't want him to die. It wasn't better for one innocent man to die for the good of the Jewish nation. Jesus died for the redemption of the world. God's way is always greater than we can imagine. Turn to God in your suffering.
Point 4 - To be more of yourself is to become more like God. Or - the more you love the more God - like you become.
Obviously there is much more that I could have said but my time was limited. Hopefully you will find this meditation useful in some small way. Okay, the notes for a meditation, a smaller offering.
May God continue to bless you!
(Special thanks to Bible Gateway which allowed me to cut and paste bible verses instead of typing it all out on my own.)
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
True Love - The Integrity Project
Hello Ladies,
You may have been wondering why I repeat (over and over and over) God's love for you. The answer is simple: If God is the center of your life then your life makes sense. Without God as the center even the most beautiful relationships become warped. Think this is an exaggeration? Read on.
Ever hear a husband or wife say "We'll never get divorced because we don't believe in it?" How about a mother angrily saying "I'm pretending this is my son's face" while pounding out meat for dinner. Or "I cannot possibly have this baby. There isn't enough love in the world." "We used to be in love but we just lost it. Isn't that the way it goes? Better to split up now than have things drag out." "The Christian model of marriage is for the woman to stay in the home. She finds joy in the success of her husband and children." We are so willing to conform our thoughts to our worst nightmares. "We have to keep our children safe!" instead of "Our society needs to teach that rape, shooting children (or anybody) is unacceptable." What are we thinking??
We have downgraded love, the greatest power in the universe, to an emotion, a finite, dwindling resource. We know that we cannot maintain even the most basic human relationships on our own. We question the existence of God and the purpose of our own creation: to be loved by God and to love in return.
Let's take a look at the Catholic view of what a loving relationship looks like. For reasons of convenience I will start with marriage. The most obvious Christian view of marriage is: man plus woman equals children. This is true. It is the most stable building block of society. But when have I ever taken the simplest answer?
We are not created simply to do as we are told. We are created to be in relationship with God. What is your ideal, healthy relationship? It is one of mutual respect, trust, and support. It is a relationship in which one draws life from the other and gives it back again. It honors vulnerability as a gift, not as an excuse to victimize or berate. It is the ultimate "I've got your back" so that you can walk on your journey to heaven together.
Let me tell you a story before you think I'm deluding myself. My mother had some severe mental problems which resulted in various addictions. My father didn't realize the full extent of the damage to the family (mental illness can be hidden and tricky) but when he did, he made moves to protect his children and help his wife. She did get medical help and she was able to give up some of her addictions and attain some stability. They separated (her idea). He was told, over and over, even by me, to divorce his wife. If she had ever asked for a divorce he would have granted it. But she never did. He paid her bills and forgave her for her nastiness. Why? Not because of church doctrine. Not because he believed that he deserved to be abused (though he felt extreme guilt for not catching on earlier). He did it because he knew that she was incapable of caring for herself. She would have ended up on the street and would have died alone, a bitter woman.
One day, a few years ago, my mother called my father asking if they could meet for dinner. (This was unheard of.) My father said that she was always welcome, she need not even ask! Just show up! He was surprised and thrilled. So they met at a restaurant for dinner. My mother was gratified at the love and forgiveness that had always been there. My father was grateful to be able to show his love and respect for her. And then she died. Literally. She had a heart attack right in front of him. She was pronounced dead at the hospital but the restaurant had to fill out "death on premises" paperwork.
It was only at my mom's funeral that I truly began to understand my dad. God is the center of his life. He did not simply accept the situation; he prayed daily for strength and guidance. He knew that if he gave up on his wife that she would give up on herself. As he told me once: "I promised her. I promised to be there for her in sickness. How is this different? Would you want me to treat you that way?"
God's love is fulfilling but it can also be difficult. Jesus died for us. But even He took strength from God. Even Jesus took the time to discern God's will for him.
The Holy Family is often held up as the ideal Christian family. Yet St. Joseph wasn't Jesus' father. This caused great scandal at the time or the Bible wouldn't mention it. Catholic and Orthodox tradition clearly state that Mary and Joseph did not have children of their own. They were chaste. BUT THEY WERE OPEN TO LIFE IN THAT THEY WERE OPEN TO THE LIFE GIVING WILL OF GOD.
I'm not saying that children aren't important. I am not negating the man plus woman equals children equation. But I am saying that having a full relationship with God should shake your foundations a bit. How so? Have you ever objectified yourself or others because you were lonely? Because you wanted to be popular? Or loved? Do you hold back from your beloved because you're afraid of getting hurt? In short, do you believe that love is a limited resource?
Loving fully is hard. It's scary. It is not to be done lightly. It takes constant care and attention. And it's totally worth it.
One of my favorite things to do is to go to adoration of the blessed sacrament. I highly recommend this even if you're not sure of the body and blood of Christ thing. What do you do? Find a church that has adoration. Go into the chapel or church and sit. Just as you are. Sit quietly for a few minutes or a few hours. Even if you're not Catholic. Nobody is going to be looking for a membership card at the door. That's it. But it is truly profound.
God calls us to love by loving us first. He is not asking us to do something which he has not already done. He walks with us during our bad times. We have to make him breakfast, keep a perfect house for him or go to bed with him to 'prove' our love or value. He simply loves us. No matter what.
May God continue to bless you.
You may have been wondering why I repeat (over and over and over) God's love for you. The answer is simple: If God is the center of your life then your life makes sense. Without God as the center even the most beautiful relationships become warped. Think this is an exaggeration? Read on.
Ever hear a husband or wife say "We'll never get divorced because we don't believe in it?" How about a mother angrily saying "I'm pretending this is my son's face" while pounding out meat for dinner. Or "I cannot possibly have this baby. There isn't enough love in the world." "We used to be in love but we just lost it. Isn't that the way it goes? Better to split up now than have things drag out." "The Christian model of marriage is for the woman to stay in the home. She finds joy in the success of her husband and children." We are so willing to conform our thoughts to our worst nightmares. "We have to keep our children safe!" instead of "Our society needs to teach that rape, shooting children (or anybody) is unacceptable." What are we thinking??
We have downgraded love, the greatest power in the universe, to an emotion, a finite, dwindling resource. We know that we cannot maintain even the most basic human relationships on our own. We question the existence of God and the purpose of our own creation: to be loved by God and to love in return.
Let's take a look at the Catholic view of what a loving relationship looks like. For reasons of convenience I will start with marriage. The most obvious Christian view of marriage is: man plus woman equals children. This is true. It is the most stable building block of society. But when have I ever taken the simplest answer?
We are not created simply to do as we are told. We are created to be in relationship with God. What is your ideal, healthy relationship? It is one of mutual respect, trust, and support. It is a relationship in which one draws life from the other and gives it back again. It honors vulnerability as a gift, not as an excuse to victimize or berate. It is the ultimate "I've got your back" so that you can walk on your journey to heaven together.
Let me tell you a story before you think I'm deluding myself. My mother had some severe mental problems which resulted in various addictions. My father didn't realize the full extent of the damage to the family (mental illness can be hidden and tricky) but when he did, he made moves to protect his children and help his wife. She did get medical help and she was able to give up some of her addictions and attain some stability. They separated (her idea). He was told, over and over, even by me, to divorce his wife. If she had ever asked for a divorce he would have granted it. But she never did. He paid her bills and forgave her for her nastiness. Why? Not because of church doctrine. Not because he believed that he deserved to be abused (though he felt extreme guilt for not catching on earlier). He did it because he knew that she was incapable of caring for herself. She would have ended up on the street and would have died alone, a bitter woman.
One day, a few years ago, my mother called my father asking if they could meet for dinner. (This was unheard of.) My father said that she was always welcome, she need not even ask! Just show up! He was surprised and thrilled. So they met at a restaurant for dinner. My mother was gratified at the love and forgiveness that had always been there. My father was grateful to be able to show his love and respect for her. And then she died. Literally. She had a heart attack right in front of him. She was pronounced dead at the hospital but the restaurant had to fill out "death on premises" paperwork.
It was only at my mom's funeral that I truly began to understand my dad. God is the center of his life. He did not simply accept the situation; he prayed daily for strength and guidance. He knew that if he gave up on his wife that she would give up on herself. As he told me once: "I promised her. I promised to be there for her in sickness. How is this different? Would you want me to treat you that way?"
God's love is fulfilling but it can also be difficult. Jesus died for us. But even He took strength from God. Even Jesus took the time to discern God's will for him.
The Holy Family is often held up as the ideal Christian family. Yet St. Joseph wasn't Jesus' father. This caused great scandal at the time or the Bible wouldn't mention it. Catholic and Orthodox tradition clearly state that Mary and Joseph did not have children of their own. They were chaste. BUT THEY WERE OPEN TO LIFE IN THAT THEY WERE OPEN TO THE LIFE GIVING WILL OF GOD.
I'm not saying that children aren't important. I am not negating the man plus woman equals children equation. But I am saying that having a full relationship with God should shake your foundations a bit. How so? Have you ever objectified yourself or others because you were lonely? Because you wanted to be popular? Or loved? Do you hold back from your beloved because you're afraid of getting hurt? In short, do you believe that love is a limited resource?
Loving fully is hard. It's scary. It is not to be done lightly. It takes constant care and attention. And it's totally worth it.
One of my favorite things to do is to go to adoration of the blessed sacrament. I highly recommend this even if you're not sure of the body and blood of Christ thing. What do you do? Find a church that has adoration. Go into the chapel or church and sit. Just as you are. Sit quietly for a few minutes or a few hours. Even if you're not Catholic. Nobody is going to be looking for a membership card at the door. That's it. But it is truly profound.
God calls us to love by loving us first. He is not asking us to do something which he has not already done. He walks with us during our bad times. We have to make him breakfast, keep a perfect house for him or go to bed with him to 'prove' our love or value. He simply loves us. No matter what.
May God continue to bless you.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Hold Me Together....
Hello Ladies,
Today I would like to share with you one of my favorite Christmas songs. It is a perfect example of what our relationship with God should be. We think we are not important to anyone. We are necessary to God's loving plan. Have the strength to love others, be vulnerable, forgive, pick yourself up, and know that you are not alone in your journey. Walk along in humility. You don't have to know all the answers. Walk in strength. You do not need to remain in abusive situations. Dare to forgive - even if from a safe distance. Every moment you choose to love, you choose God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8_475FKJWQ
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I've done
Holy Father, You have come
And chosen me now to carry Your Son
I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now, be with me now
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven
Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place?
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of Your plan
Help me be strong, help me be, help me
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven, Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven
AMY GRANT
Songwriters
CHRIS EATON, AMY GRANT
Read more: Amy Grant - Breath Of Heaven Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Today I would like to share with you one of my favorite Christmas songs. It is a perfect example of what our relationship with God should be. We think we are not important to anyone. We are necessary to God's loving plan. Have the strength to love others, be vulnerable, forgive, pick yourself up, and know that you are not alone in your journey. Walk along in humility. You don't have to know all the answers. Walk in strength. You do not need to remain in abusive situations. Dare to forgive - even if from a safe distance. Every moment you choose to love, you choose God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8_475FKJWQ
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I've done
Holy Father, You have come
And chosen me now to carry Your Son
I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now, be with me now
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven
Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place?
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of Your plan
Help me be strong, help me be, help me
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven, Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven
AMY GRANT
Songwriters
CHRIS EATON, AMY GRANT
Read more: Amy Grant - Breath Of Heaven Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Saturday, December 21, 2013
In the Beginning...
Hello Ladies,
What I am humbly offering you today is the start of a Christian allegory of the journey of the soul. It is not enough to say "God loves you". This is true. But it helps to have a context to put it in. The Christian worldview is an exciting one complete with epic battles over the fate of humanity, supernatural beings, and love that transcends time and space. If you want a really good read look up The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis or The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. These are true masterpieces. But since I am not a bachelor and/or do not have a wife to lighten my workload, you will have to be content with the following.
In the beginning…
…there was you and God. Surrounding you was the rest of creation, but that was ok because God was the center of it all. Every voice, unique and distinct, was lifted in song, creating a melody greater than the sum of any one part. And that was as it should be.
Then came a change, small at first, a discordant cord. Then came a crash, a break, a sense of… loss. But still there was God, shining in the center. And there was peace.
Then one day a messenger of God came before you.
“Would you like to be tested?” asked the angel.
“What would that entail?” you asked of the angel.
“God will be obscured from you. You will have a chance to hear the discordant voices. You will be given the power to choose your own path, to choose a way other than God.”
“But why would I choose to undergo such a test?”
“Because God, creator of all, sees your potential to become greater and wiser than you are now. You may choose to be tested. At the end there will be judgment. All that you have chosen that is not of God will be burned away. Your sins will be forgotten and your sacrifices and strengths perfected.”
Then the angel took you by the hand and showed you the earth. For the first time you became aware of the concepts of space and time. You became aware of separateness and isolation. And you felt small and trembled.
“Do not fear, little one,” said the angel. “You will begin as small and secret as a dream. Then you will grow. You will be helpless and vulnerable. You will learn to love by being loved first.”
But you could see so much sorrow and fear that you were not convinced.
“What happens to those who do not choose God?”
The angel stood aside and before you lay a void of agony and isolation.
“Who would choose to go there?” you asked.
“Those who refused to see the beauty within themselves and so did not honor it in others. They lived their lives in thoughtlessness, fear and dread. For they knew deep down that what they were doing was not right.”
“Why doesn’t God do something??”
“Because God loves us and respects our decisions. Their small decisions in life formed them and led them there. When God called to them, they did not recognize Him and turned away. They always thought they would spare themselves in the end. They were wrong.”
“Then why would I leave my place of safety?”
Again the angel moved and before you lay a place of trust, joy, growth, and harmony; souls gathered together at a feast. There is a sense of love, not of blind faith as you have known, but of a relationship whose bonds have been tried and found secure. The beauty of grace and gratitude is breathtaking; the souls are grateful for God’s love and grace and God is grateful for their steadfastness in adversity.
“What am I to do?” you asked the angel.
“Be who God created you to be. Sing your song to others. Love. Always. God will be with you. And so will I.”
May God Continue to Bless You!!
What I am humbly offering you today is the start of a Christian allegory of the journey of the soul. It is not enough to say "God loves you". This is true. But it helps to have a context to put it in. The Christian worldview is an exciting one complete with epic battles over the fate of humanity, supernatural beings, and love that transcends time and space. If you want a really good read look up The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis or The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. These are true masterpieces. But since I am not a bachelor and/or do not have a wife to lighten my workload, you will have to be content with the following.
In the beginning…
…there was you and God. Surrounding you was the rest of creation, but that was ok because God was the center of it all. Every voice, unique and distinct, was lifted in song, creating a melody greater than the sum of any one part. And that was as it should be.
Then came a change, small at first, a discordant cord. Then came a crash, a break, a sense of… loss. But still there was God, shining in the center. And there was peace.
Then one day a messenger of God came before you.
“Would you like to be tested?” asked the angel.
“What would that entail?” you asked of the angel.
“God will be obscured from you. You will have a chance to hear the discordant voices. You will be given the power to choose your own path, to choose a way other than God.”
“But why would I choose to undergo such a test?”
“Because God, creator of all, sees your potential to become greater and wiser than you are now. You may choose to be tested. At the end there will be judgment. All that you have chosen that is not of God will be burned away. Your sins will be forgotten and your sacrifices and strengths perfected.”
Then the angel took you by the hand and showed you the earth. For the first time you became aware of the concepts of space and time. You became aware of separateness and isolation. And you felt small and trembled.
“Do not fear, little one,” said the angel. “You will begin as small and secret as a dream. Then you will grow. You will be helpless and vulnerable. You will learn to love by being loved first.”
But you could see so much sorrow and fear that you were not convinced.
“What happens to those who do not choose God?”
The angel stood aside and before you lay a void of agony and isolation.
“Who would choose to go there?” you asked.
“Those who refused to see the beauty within themselves and so did not honor it in others. They lived their lives in thoughtlessness, fear and dread. For they knew deep down that what they were doing was not right.”
“Why doesn’t God do something??”
“Because God loves us and respects our decisions. Their small decisions in life formed them and led them there. When God called to them, they did not recognize Him and turned away. They always thought they would spare themselves in the end. They were wrong.”
“Then why would I leave my place of safety?”
Again the angel moved and before you lay a place of trust, joy, growth, and harmony; souls gathered together at a feast. There is a sense of love, not of blind faith as you have known, but of a relationship whose bonds have been tried and found secure. The beauty of grace and gratitude is breathtaking; the souls are grateful for God’s love and grace and God is grateful for their steadfastness in adversity.
“What am I to do?” you asked the angel.
“Be who God created you to be. Sing your song to others. Love. Always. God will be with you. And so will I.”
May God Continue to Bless You!!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Conversion - The Integrity Project
Hello Ladies,
A Christian talking about conversion can be a tricky thing. It conjures images of annoying people ringing your doorbell during a nap time to tell you that you are going to hell unless you follow their beliefs. It implies disrespect for your way of life and the values that you as an intelligent person hold dear. It violates the 'live and let live' mentality that is the basis for any free society. The words "guilt", "intolerance", "manipulated" and "theocracy" come to mind. I live in a secular society. I know how it goes. I am free to be Catholic as long as nobody knows about it. On the other hand I'm not of the belief that you have to follow my way or you're going to hell either.
So, being a Catholic who doesn't bang on doors and doesn't believe that you are going to hell because you are not rattling those rosary beads, what have I got to say about conversion?
That you have been created for the sole purpose of being loved and loving in kind.
That's it. Ok - one more thing:
If you knew how much you are loved you would cry for joy.
You are not some sort of cosmic accident. You are not here to "make others happy". You are not here to fill some dogmatic idea of what it is to be a woman (whether the dogma be religious or secular). You are unique in all of creation. You will only be on this earth for a short time. You are here because at the moment of your conception, possibly before, God could not imagine anything more beautiful and perfect than you. You were created to be loved by God and to love God in return.
Let me tell you a story about a man I met when I was a child. I don't really remember what he was like before this incident. He was an acquaintance of my father and he was involved in international real estate. He was very, very good at it. [Author's note: The following is a summary of what this man told my father in my hearing.]
One day I was closing a deal in Rome. My host took me to see the architecture at St. Peter's Square. [This man was an atheist.] I was standing there when there was some commotion and... I found myself face to face with Pope John Paul II. No exaggeration. The pope smiled at me and started speaking to me in Italian. My host began to translate. Hearing the English, John Paul II immediately switched languages and began asking me questions about myself. ("Why would the pope care about me? With all those Catholics standing around, too!") When the pope heard I worked in international real estate, he became very excited and said "God has heard my prayers! I am so happy to meet you. You are the one. Think of the poor. They have no homes. They need you. The need you now. I am praying for you!"
Well, what could I do after that? The pope was praying for me by name for crissakes. Told me that God had placed me there. Didn't even tell me to go to church. Guess there's more to life than making money.
A few years later my father heard that this man had been heckled at a real estate conference for giving a talk about social justice while making money. Last I heard this man still made money but he was truly happy for the first time in his life.
You are loved. You are unique in all of creation. If you knew how much you are loved you would cry for joy. You are who and where you are for a reason. Do not let others quantify you. You are without price and loved constantly without cost. You are irreplaceable. You have dignity which others cannot take from you. You are beloved of God.
If I have one prayer it is that one day you will truly believe this.
May God continue to bless you!
A Christian talking about conversion can be a tricky thing. It conjures images of annoying people ringing your doorbell during a nap time to tell you that you are going to hell unless you follow their beliefs. It implies disrespect for your way of life and the values that you as an intelligent person hold dear. It violates the 'live and let live' mentality that is the basis for any free society. The words "guilt", "intolerance", "manipulated" and "theocracy" come to mind. I live in a secular society. I know how it goes. I am free to be Catholic as long as nobody knows about it. On the other hand I'm not of the belief that you have to follow my way or you're going to hell either.
So, being a Catholic who doesn't bang on doors and doesn't believe that you are going to hell because you are not rattling those rosary beads, what have I got to say about conversion?
That you have been created for the sole purpose of being loved and loving in kind.
That's it. Ok - one more thing:
If you knew how much you are loved you would cry for joy.
You are not some sort of cosmic accident. You are not here to "make others happy". You are not here to fill some dogmatic idea of what it is to be a woman (whether the dogma be religious or secular). You are unique in all of creation. You will only be on this earth for a short time. You are here because at the moment of your conception, possibly before, God could not imagine anything more beautiful and perfect than you. You were created to be loved by God and to love God in return.
Let me tell you a story about a man I met when I was a child. I don't really remember what he was like before this incident. He was an acquaintance of my father and he was involved in international real estate. He was very, very good at it. [Author's note: The following is a summary of what this man told my father in my hearing.]
One day I was closing a deal in Rome. My host took me to see the architecture at St. Peter's Square. [This man was an atheist.] I was standing there when there was some commotion and... I found myself face to face with Pope John Paul II. No exaggeration. The pope smiled at me and started speaking to me in Italian. My host began to translate. Hearing the English, John Paul II immediately switched languages and began asking me questions about myself. ("Why would the pope care about me? With all those Catholics standing around, too!") When the pope heard I worked in international real estate, he became very excited and said "God has heard my prayers! I am so happy to meet you. You are the one. Think of the poor. They have no homes. They need you. The need you now. I am praying for you!"
Well, what could I do after that? The pope was praying for me by name for crissakes. Told me that God had placed me there. Didn't even tell me to go to church. Guess there's more to life than making money.
A few years later my father heard that this man had been heckled at a real estate conference for giving a talk about social justice while making money. Last I heard this man still made money but he was truly happy for the first time in his life.
You are loved. You are unique in all of creation. If you knew how much you are loved you would cry for joy. You are who and where you are for a reason. Do not let others quantify you. You are without price and loved constantly without cost. You are irreplaceable. You have dignity which others cannot take from you. You are beloved of God.
If I have one prayer it is that one day you will truly believe this.
May God continue to bless you!
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