“All the earth cries out with joy to you, O God, serving you with gladness; coming before you, singing for joy, You, Creator of all, are God. You made us, WE BELONG TO YOU. We are your people, the sheep of your flock…” (Psalm 100:1-3)
As I read this portion of the psalm in my morning prayers, I was struck by those 4 little words…
“we belong to you”. This is a favorite psalm of many Christians and often read. But I wonder how frequently those 4 words are “really read”…read not just with the eye but also by the HEART !
This psalm indicates that humanity and all of creation are joyfully alive praising the Creatorc God in both words and actions. They give a clear statement that we are the creative work of God. The Divine Being made us; we did not make ourselves independent of God's "hand" or PURPOSE. That is a comfort and reassurance to many believers. Verse 3 continues this assurance with 3 proofs:
"You (God) made us
we belong to you,
we are your people."
All of these short phrases can be read from our personal human perspective OR from the realistic perspective of God and the divine purpose!
It's good that we can say to God..."we belong to you"...but do our lifestyle, actions and thoughts fully support that statement! If we really "belong" to God, then we must also be POSSESSED by the PRESENCE of God. I like to think about God's ultimate purpose for the creation as the "Dream of God" for the creation, and that is the eternal relationship of God with a transformed (sanctified) creation. If this is God's "dream" (desire) for all that God possesses, then we (the possession) should SHARE GOD'S DREAM as if it were our only desire! Our lifestyle and words should reflect this mutual dream for our transformed relationship with God. Since ALL of humanity and creation are possessions of God, we should strive for a transformed and respectful relationship with ALL of God's creation.
Therefore, each time that I read this psalm, I pause after those 4 little words..."we belong to you"...and in my heart, I add these words of self-commitment...
"We belong to you"...Yes, God, I belong to you and to YOUR desire for the creation, and NOT to any personal desires or imagination for myself. This is true because I wish to share YOUR dream. So fill me with your divine Presence and transform me into union with your divine DREAM. Be it ever so, Amen
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
A Day for Prayer
On this National Day of Prayer (1), we ask God for guidance,strength and wisdom for its leaders and their involvement in the general well-being of the world. In our country, most of the politico-social and religious leaders affirm some degree of allegiance to the God of the Judeo-Christian tradition; and as we pray for them, we might ask WHAT IS IT THAT THEY and OUR WORLD need most? Should we pray that they be:
Wise as a Joseph or Daniel,
Strong in battle as a David,
Determined and steadfast in principle as a Paul?
This question may be brought into better focus by a quotation from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. "The thrust of the Christian message is not for us to become like one of those biblical figures, but to be like Christ himself." (2)
If we, Christians, are supposed to live-out the lifestyle and values of Jesus, what were his practices and principles which might be of value to current national leaders? Jesus' LOVE was known for its humility, inclusive acceptance of everyone, compassion, care for the sick and hungry and a determination for the reconcilliation of people with each other and God.
The basis for Jesus' revelation of these particular aspects of divine love is the matter of JUSTICE. Usually the word "JUSTICE" is attached to a "retributive type" of justice. People say that when a leader stops a terrorist that "justice had been done" and that the "evil" person got their just reward or punishment. But I want to emphasize the fact that the love of Christ was generated by God's DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE. How is this type of justice different from the "just desserts" type of justice a convicted criminal might receive?
God wanted to ensure that EVERYONE is offered divine love and forgiveness ("grace") and that it be "distributed" EQUALLY. No one is left outside of this divine offer. That is the characteristic of Jesus' love, acceptance and compassion. So, if Bonhoeffer is correct and we (incuding our leaders) are "to be like Christ himself", our lifestyle should be one of DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE in which we care about the well-being of all humanity - both those near us and far away. It is this type of "just" love which will ensure the universal availability of the earth's bounty to all people. Our prayers for the nation and its leaders should ask that we all "live-into" that Christ lifestyle of God's distributive justice.
God spoke through the prophetic words of Amos saying, "let JUSTICE roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." (Amos 5:24 NRSV)
(1) Congresionally appointed day of special prayers for the well-being of our nation and its people.
(2) Ethik, ed Todt,Reil and Green, 1992, p141.
Wise as a Joseph or Daniel,
Strong in battle as a David,
Determined and steadfast in principle as a Paul?
This question may be brought into better focus by a quotation from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. "The thrust of the Christian message is not for us to become like one of those biblical figures, but to be like Christ himself." (2)
If we, Christians, are supposed to live-out the lifestyle and values of Jesus, what were his practices and principles which might be of value to current national leaders? Jesus' LOVE was known for its humility, inclusive acceptance of everyone, compassion, care for the sick and hungry and a determination for the reconcilliation of people with each other and God.
The basis for Jesus' revelation of these particular aspects of divine love is the matter of JUSTICE. Usually the word "JUSTICE" is attached to a "retributive type" of justice. People say that when a leader stops a terrorist that "justice had been done" and that the "evil" person got their just reward or punishment. But I want to emphasize the fact that the love of Christ was generated by God's DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE. How is this type of justice different from the "just desserts" type of justice a convicted criminal might receive?
God wanted to ensure that EVERYONE is offered divine love and forgiveness ("grace") and that it be "distributed" EQUALLY. No one is left outside of this divine offer. That is the characteristic of Jesus' love, acceptance and compassion. So, if Bonhoeffer is correct and we (incuding our leaders) are "to be like Christ himself", our lifestyle should be one of DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE in which we care about the well-being of all humanity - both those near us and far away. It is this type of "just" love which will ensure the universal availability of the earth's bounty to all people. Our prayers for the nation and its leaders should ask that we all "live-into" that Christ lifestyle of God's distributive justice.
God spoke through the prophetic words of Amos saying, "let JUSTICE roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." (Amos 5:24 NRSV)
(1) Congresionally appointed day of special prayers for the well-being of our nation and its people.
(2) Ethik, ed Todt,Reil and Green, 1992, p141.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Messages from Royal Processions
Holy Week and Easter have now passed. We have relived those final earthly days in the life of Jesus as told to us in the Gospels. Many of us have heard these stories so many times that they may have become "hum-drum" and dull. They may have lost the incredible cutting edge suprise that they actually possess. An example is Jesus' final entrance into Jerusalem (1) which we celebrated on Palm Sunday. What happened was not an "usual royal entrance". Jesus rode into the city on a donkey...an animal commonly used to carry sacks of grain and bundles of wood...not a king!
Just a few days ago, we observed another royal procession as England's Prince William was married in a huge ceremony cheered-on by millions of people. Although in a nod to the 21st century the participants rode to the church in limousines, they returned to the palace in royal coaches. Her Majesty, the Queen, traveled back in one of the royal coaches with lots of mounted calvary units in attendance. That's how a queen (or king) travels in ceremonial style! It's always been that way...even back in Bible times when the Roman political leaders entered Jerusalem at Passover time. They really "put-on-the-dog" to impress local people with their power and wealth: and those attending soldiers who marched with the ruler, well, let's simply say...they made it very clear to the people WHO was in charge of things. They protected and supported the one who had dominant control of the citizen's lives, means of income and the courts of justice. Kings don't remove sacks of grain from the lowly beasts of burden and ride donkeys into the city! But here the King of the Universe...the Creator God Incarnate in the human Jesus did just that. Wow, what a suprise! But...WHY was it done that way? Was Jesus telling the people something different that what the Roman leader, Pilate, demonstrated as his magnificent procession entered Jerusalem by a different gate? Is the message which Jesus "acted-out" that day still relevant to us in our current world?
The Roman imperial procession into a city celebrated the peace and economic stability produced under its VIOLENT DOMINATION system. In contrast, the God Incarnate/man Jesus, processed into Jerusalem in support of an inclusive and equalitarian social system made "JUST" (right) by love and compassion for all humankind. This is the social system initiated by the creator God where in all humans could live in harmony with each other and the earth...bounty enough for all needs with no necessity for any person to hoard-up goods for himself and thereby dominate and reduce the value of another person.
Jesus demonstrated God's equable way for life in contrast to the social pattern imposed by a violently greedy Roman system. His entire life gave strong witness to the JUST and RIGHTFUL DISTRIBUTION of God's full bounty to earth. From the moment of Jesus' birth, the good news of the Messiah's arrival was shared with ALL social classes from the lowly shepherds...inn-keepers and townsmen...visiting royal Magi...faithful Jews and foreigners. He taught the Jews in their synagogue, preached to the common people on hillsides and ate meals with disenfranchised lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors and Samaritans. Jesus' life and message revealed God's purpose for humanity and the NON-VIOLENT nature of a compassionate God in love with all humankind.
But, is the message of Jesus still relevant for us today? If Jesus were to process into our city today, would there exist a social system in conflict of his vision of a just human society? Would Jesus have to demonstrate against a society supported by a violent military-industrial complex...one which allows children to go hungry...where people are separated into groups by radical and dominating forms of religious fundamentalism...hedonism...political and judicial corruption...sexism and gender-phobia???? Does our world operate under a social system IN CONFLICT with the system God ordained for the creation?
Although there are various politico-social systems among modern nations, almost always there is a similar underlying acceptance of that Roman pattern which was the object of Jesus' protest...DOMINATION (and therefore subjugation of people) because of INDIVIDUAL GREED. In such societies, the "few" want "most of the good things of life" at the expense of others not even having the necessities of life. Modern society has permitted this violence done against others and the earth as "acceptable co-lateral damage" caused by our almost "drug-like" need to satisify individual greed. Corporate, national and individual greed dominates modern life! Yes, there are exceptions...individuals and small groups, scattered about, which try to operate a sub-culture more in nature with the harmony desired by Jesus' message. But, I believe that we all realize that the "big picture" of modern life is "violently greed oriented".
So, if Jesus were to process into our city today, would we be able to follow the witness of his life and support God's intended plan which JUSTLY (rightly) distributes the world's bounty to supply the needs of every human? How can one, lonely individual do this? How can we break-out of a greed dominated system?
It is reported that Gandhi asked people "to live simply, so that all people could simply live". He recognized that violent greed finds its origin in the INDIVIDUAL'S HEART. Therefore, even societal greed can only be changed by the TRANSFORMATION of an individual's spirit and heart's desires. Such greed can not be legislated-out-of-existence nor stopped by a superior's order. The individual's heart must change...must become something new...must be redeemed and made right by the "just" love of God. This was the message of Jesus to the people even as he rode into Jerusalem on that lowly donkey; and it remains the same message to each of us today!
The Temple and Roman systems violently opposed this non-violent and just message of Jesus which they hoped could be silenced by killing Jesus on that cross. Yet, God's purpose and message to the creation was not to be silenced by death. God took death - that one aspect of human experience which seems all-powerful - and demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus that God's plan for humanity will NOT be stopped by human violence or physical death. The message of Christianity is that God wants ALL persons to experience a similar transformation of desires...to have a "heart-change" in response to Jesus' message of compassionate and inclusive love... to have a "heart resurrection" even now, today, as we live this life. Such change of the individual's desires will alow that person's lifestyle to rightly reflect the good news and message of Christ. That person, so transformed, can honor God's plan for humanity by "living simply, so ALL others can simply live".
Be it ever so in our lives!
(1) Matthew 21: 1-9, Mark 11: 1-10, Luke 19: 29-38.
Just a few days ago, we observed another royal procession as England's Prince William was married in a huge ceremony cheered-on by millions of people. Although in a nod to the 21st century the participants rode to the church in limousines, they returned to the palace in royal coaches. Her Majesty, the Queen, traveled back in one of the royal coaches with lots of mounted calvary units in attendance. That's how a queen (or king) travels in ceremonial style! It's always been that way...even back in Bible times when the Roman political leaders entered Jerusalem at Passover time. They really "put-on-the-dog" to impress local people with their power and wealth: and those attending soldiers who marched with the ruler, well, let's simply say...they made it very clear to the people WHO was in charge of things. They protected and supported the one who had dominant control of the citizen's lives, means of income and the courts of justice. Kings don't remove sacks of grain from the lowly beasts of burden and ride donkeys into the city! But here the King of the Universe...the Creator God Incarnate in the human Jesus did just that. Wow, what a suprise! But...WHY was it done that way? Was Jesus telling the people something different that what the Roman leader, Pilate, demonstrated as his magnificent procession entered Jerusalem by a different gate? Is the message which Jesus "acted-out" that day still relevant to us in our current world?
The Roman imperial procession into a city celebrated the peace and economic stability produced under its VIOLENT DOMINATION system. In contrast, the God Incarnate/man Jesus, processed into Jerusalem in support of an inclusive and equalitarian social system made "JUST" (right) by love and compassion for all humankind. This is the social system initiated by the creator God where in all humans could live in harmony with each other and the earth...bounty enough for all needs with no necessity for any person to hoard-up goods for himself and thereby dominate and reduce the value of another person.
Jesus demonstrated God's equable way for life in contrast to the social pattern imposed by a violently greedy Roman system. His entire life gave strong witness to the JUST and RIGHTFUL DISTRIBUTION of God's full bounty to earth. From the moment of Jesus' birth, the good news of the Messiah's arrival was shared with ALL social classes from the lowly shepherds...inn-keepers and townsmen...visiting royal Magi...faithful Jews and foreigners. He taught the Jews in their synagogue, preached to the common people on hillsides and ate meals with disenfranchised lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors and Samaritans. Jesus' life and message revealed God's purpose for humanity and the NON-VIOLENT nature of a compassionate God in love with all humankind.
But, is the message of Jesus still relevant for us today? If Jesus were to process into our city today, would there exist a social system in conflict of his vision of a just human society? Would Jesus have to demonstrate against a society supported by a violent military-industrial complex...one which allows children to go hungry...where people are separated into groups by radical and dominating forms of religious fundamentalism...hedonism...political and judicial corruption...sexism and gender-phobia???? Does our world operate under a social system IN CONFLICT with the system God ordained for the creation?
Although there are various politico-social systems among modern nations, almost always there is a similar underlying acceptance of that Roman pattern which was the object of Jesus' protest...DOMINATION (and therefore subjugation of people) because of INDIVIDUAL GREED. In such societies, the "few" want "most of the good things of life" at the expense of others not even having the necessities of life. Modern society has permitted this violence done against others and the earth as "acceptable co-lateral damage" caused by our almost "drug-like" need to satisify individual greed. Corporate, national and individual greed dominates modern life! Yes, there are exceptions...individuals and small groups, scattered about, which try to operate a sub-culture more in nature with the harmony desired by Jesus' message. But, I believe that we all realize that the "big picture" of modern life is "violently greed oriented".
So, if Jesus were to process into our city today, would we be able to follow the witness of his life and support God's intended plan which JUSTLY (rightly) distributes the world's bounty to supply the needs of every human? How can one, lonely individual do this? How can we break-out of a greed dominated system?
It is reported that Gandhi asked people "to live simply, so that all people could simply live". He recognized that violent greed finds its origin in the INDIVIDUAL'S HEART. Therefore, even societal greed can only be changed by the TRANSFORMATION of an individual's spirit and heart's desires. Such greed can not be legislated-out-of-existence nor stopped by a superior's order. The individual's heart must change...must become something new...must be redeemed and made right by the "just" love of God. This was the message of Jesus to the people even as he rode into Jerusalem on that lowly donkey; and it remains the same message to each of us today!
The Temple and Roman systems violently opposed this non-violent and just message of Jesus which they hoped could be silenced by killing Jesus on that cross. Yet, God's purpose and message to the creation was not to be silenced by death. God took death - that one aspect of human experience which seems all-powerful - and demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus that God's plan for humanity will NOT be stopped by human violence or physical death. The message of Christianity is that God wants ALL persons to experience a similar transformation of desires...to have a "heart-change" in response to Jesus' message of compassionate and inclusive love... to have a "heart resurrection" even now, today, as we live this life. Such change of the individual's desires will alow that person's lifestyle to rightly reflect the good news and message of Christ. That person, so transformed, can honor God's plan for humanity by "living simply, so ALL others can simply live".
Be it ever so in our lives!
(1) Matthew 21: 1-9, Mark 11: 1-10, Luke 19: 29-38.
Monday, April 4, 2011
On the Mountain of God, the Lord will Provide
Greetings and Blessings of Peace,
While I was a member of the Society of St Francis, Br Leo Anthony frequently would be heard to say this phrase at moments of uncertainty or need. As a community we had few resources for our daily needs and there were times of scarcity when we brothers felt particularly vulnerable or even in fear. It was always then that Leo would remind us of that fundamental phrase which lies at the very core of Franciscan spirituality. The "mountain of God" is where the Lord is found and there one finds manifested the purpose, plan or will of God. For our peace, all we have to do is to stay within the will and purpose of God ... and then watch as God LOVINGLY provides our daily needs. That is DEPENDENCE on God !
In a similar manner, we hear a story about St Francis and the early brotherhood as told by Br. Thomas Celano. This passage comes from his second history of St Francis (Remembrance of the Desire of the Soul) which was written in 1245 almost 20 years after Francis' death. By then the brotherhood had grown into thousands of men scattered throughout all of Europe. A large portion of these men did not want to maintain the standard of "holy poverty" which had been a core value of Francis. As Celano tells this story, you can hear him remind these later brothers that Francis considered a life of "holy poverty" as a life lived within the VULNERABILITY OF DEPENDENCE UPON GOD'S LOVING PROVISION of our needs. The task for the brothers was to "stay at the table of the Lord" ( continue dependently serving God's purpose) and not to stray into attempts at economic security INDEPENDENT from God's will.
" While Francis and the brothers were staying in a hermitage near Rieti, a doctor used to visit Francis every day to treat his eyes. One day Francis said to his brothers, "Invite the doctor to stay and give him the best to eat." One brother answered him, "Father Francis, we're embarrassed to say this, but we are ashamed to invite him because right now we are so poor." But Francis answered, "Do you want me to tell you again to do it?" And the doctor who was nearby said: "Dear brothers, I would consider it a treat to share in your poverty."
"The brothers hurried to place the WHOLE contents of their storehouse on the table: a little bread, and not much wine, and to make the meal more lavish, the kitchen provided a few beans. (Meanwhile the "table of the Lord" took pity on the table of his servants.) A person came knocking at the door and the brother answered it immediately. It was a woman offering to them a basket filled with beautiful bread, loaded with fish and crab cakes, and with honey and grapes heaped on top. The table of the poor brothers rejoiced at this sight, the cheap food was put away and the delicacies were eaten immediately."
"The doctor heaved a sigh and spoke to them saying: Neither you brothers nor we lay people realize the holiness of Francis" and his wise DEPENDENCE upon God for all of your needs." They were all sufficiently filled because " the miracle filled them with EVEN MORE than the food." (1) They realized the spiritual message provided along with the bountiful food.
The core Franciscan value of "holy poverty" is not about having nothing! Rather it is all about our lifestyle being COMPLETELY accessible and vulnerable to God's love, will and providing hand. That is dependency upon God! The one, who follows Christ Jesus in their actions and prayers, has the assurance that God will provide the needs of their daily life either by their own labor or the loving gifts of others. There is peace without the disturbance of anxiety and fear. But Br Leo's phrase ("on the mountain of God, the Lord will provide") has two parts to it. OUR part is to stay on that mountain of God..stay and live within God's purpose for our life. The second part of Leo's phrase...well, that's the Lord's part of the equation. God will provide what you need today. (Keep in mind that our "wants" are always larger than our daily needs and may actually be inferior or counter-productive to the "health-full" needs supplied to us by God.)
Franciscan "holy poverty" is really a life style of DEPENDENCE upon God to LEAD and to PROVIDE as we give our lives to Christ! Read the pericope of Jesus' teaching found in Matthew 6:25-33. Meditate on verse 33 and its meaning for your life today! "But strive first for the Kingdom of God and its righteousness" (the sphere of your life where God's will is recognized and done) "and all of these things" (that you need) "will be given to you as well."
God's blessings and Peace to each of you Donald Luke
(1) Francis of Assisi, the Founder. Early Document series Vol. II Eds. Armstrong, Hellmann and Short, New City Press (NYC) 2000 p. 276.
While I was a member of the Society of St Francis, Br Leo Anthony frequently would be heard to say this phrase at moments of uncertainty or need. As a community we had few resources for our daily needs and there were times of scarcity when we brothers felt particularly vulnerable or even in fear. It was always then that Leo would remind us of that fundamental phrase which lies at the very core of Franciscan spirituality. The "mountain of God" is where the Lord is found and there one finds manifested the purpose, plan or will of God. For our peace, all we have to do is to stay within the will and purpose of God ... and then watch as God LOVINGLY provides our daily needs. That is DEPENDENCE on God !
In a similar manner, we hear a story about St Francis and the early brotherhood as told by Br. Thomas Celano. This passage comes from his second history of St Francis (Remembrance of the Desire of the Soul) which was written in 1245 almost 20 years after Francis' death. By then the brotherhood had grown into thousands of men scattered throughout all of Europe. A large portion of these men did not want to maintain the standard of "holy poverty" which had been a core value of Francis. As Celano tells this story, you can hear him remind these later brothers that Francis considered a life of "holy poverty" as a life lived within the VULNERABILITY OF DEPENDENCE UPON GOD'S LOVING PROVISION of our needs. The task for the brothers was to "stay at the table of the Lord" ( continue dependently serving God's purpose) and not to stray into attempts at economic security INDEPENDENT from God's will.
" While Francis and the brothers were staying in a hermitage near Rieti, a doctor used to visit Francis every day to treat his eyes. One day Francis said to his brothers, "Invite the doctor to stay and give him the best to eat." One brother answered him, "Father Francis, we're embarrassed to say this, but we are ashamed to invite him because right now we are so poor." But Francis answered, "Do you want me to tell you again to do it?" And the doctor who was nearby said: "Dear brothers, I would consider it a treat to share in your poverty."
"The brothers hurried to place the WHOLE contents of their storehouse on the table: a little bread, and not much wine, and to make the meal more lavish, the kitchen provided a few beans. (Meanwhile the "table of the Lord" took pity on the table of his servants.) A person came knocking at the door and the brother answered it immediately. It was a woman offering to them a basket filled with beautiful bread, loaded with fish and crab cakes, and with honey and grapes heaped on top. The table of the poor brothers rejoiced at this sight, the cheap food was put away and the delicacies were eaten immediately."
"The doctor heaved a sigh and spoke to them saying: Neither you brothers nor we lay people realize the holiness of Francis" and his wise DEPENDENCE upon God for all of your needs." They were all sufficiently filled because " the miracle filled them with EVEN MORE than the food." (1) They realized the spiritual message provided along with the bountiful food.
The core Franciscan value of "holy poverty" is not about having nothing! Rather it is all about our lifestyle being COMPLETELY accessible and vulnerable to God's love, will and providing hand. That is dependency upon God! The one, who follows Christ Jesus in their actions and prayers, has the assurance that God will provide the needs of their daily life either by their own labor or the loving gifts of others. There is peace without the disturbance of anxiety and fear. But Br Leo's phrase ("on the mountain of God, the Lord will provide") has two parts to it. OUR part is to stay on that mountain of God..stay and live within God's purpose for our life. The second part of Leo's phrase...well, that's the Lord's part of the equation. God will provide what you need today. (Keep in mind that our "wants" are always larger than our daily needs and may actually be inferior or counter-productive to the "health-full" needs supplied to us by God.)
Franciscan "holy poverty" is really a life style of DEPENDENCE upon God to LEAD and to PROVIDE as we give our lives to Christ! Read the pericope of Jesus' teaching found in Matthew 6:25-33. Meditate on verse 33 and its meaning for your life today! "But strive first for the Kingdom of God and its righteousness" (the sphere of your life where God's will is recognized and done) "and all of these things" (that you need) "will be given to you as well."
God's blessings and Peace to each of you Donald Luke
(1) Francis of Assisi, the Founder. Early Document series Vol. II Eds. Armstrong, Hellmann and Short, New City Press (NYC) 2000 p. 276.
The Spiritual Potato Sack Race
Greetings to each of you,
Several years ago while I was a first order brother in the Society of St Francis, I had a "street experience" which not only changed my life but also taught me a lesson about "mindfulness". It happened as I walked up San Francisco's Market Street while wearing my Franciscan habit. I was on my way to find a store in which I could buy a little gift for a newly-arrived grandchild. Throughout my adult life I had a pattern of "fast paced" walking through crowded city streets. Barreling along at break-neck speed, with my mind focused on possible gift suggestions, I plunged across an intersection. In the midst of its confusion, I thought that I had heard someone, from behind me, call out to catch my attention. What my mind perceived, above the "mind-noise" of gift buying, had been very faint - yet it had sounded real. By now the traffic flow had changed and I had to quickly finish crossing the intersection. In the safety of the opposite curb-side, I turned-around to see if that faint voice was attached to any of those passers-by. Cross traffic had resumed and there was a scurry of bobbing faces on that opposite side. No one in that mob seemed to want anything except to move on their way. Had the faint voice only been an electrical "misfire" in my brain or had someone monentarily wanted my attention...my help...my presence in their life? I didn't know. I moved over to the relative safety of a building at that corner and had to ask myself the question. Had some one reached-out for my help, only to realize disappointment by my busied state of "attention deafness"...my lack of mindfulness?
You see, this was not one of those easy questions we some times ask ourselves. I was in my Franciscan habit - a witness to my Christian mission in life. I was supposed to be the one whom others could approach and ask for help...for prayer connection to God...for my compassion...for my attentive presence. And I had failed to hear and respond to a possible request, the nature of which I will never know. Maybe that person had been brought to that particular traffic crossing for the purpose of a helpful encounter with me? I felt at a loss. I had failed in this possible witness to God's love and care of someone in need. This actually brought tears to my eyes. Hunkered up against that building, I had to take a minute and tell my loving God that I was ashamed and sorry for my lack of attention to those around me. It was necessary that I ask for God's forgiveness...and there, near that busy intersection of life, I made a promise to God...a promise to increase my attention to the call of humanity around me... a promise for a stronger "mindfulness" in my life.
A few weeks later this episode came back into my consciousness and, on that occassion, I had time to be "quiet with God" and let the Spirit speak more completely about it. Strange enough, God's words to me were framed in a childhood memory. I remembered some of the games which we children had played at parties and picnics...hide and seek and races of all sorts. In particular, one race stood out in those memories. Maybe you've also played it as a child?....a potato sack race.
If its not part of your experience, let me explain it. Its a race which involves several paired teams and the goal is achieved by the first team to reach the finish line. The paired individuals each put one of their legs into a potato sack (or some type of bag). Hanging on to each other and holding up the loose bag with the leg in it, the team walks, hops, runs...or whatever...toward the finish line. Not so easy! If the kids are savvy, they soon realize that it is best to TAKE SOME TIME and not to rush the race. Also they realize that only ONE OF THE TEAM MEMBERS should command the speed and direction of movement. There must be coordination of the "bagged legs" or confusion and a probable fall will result. It's also necessary that each member of the team "hang-on" to each other for dear life. You see, the successful technique requires TOTAL ATTENTION to the "dominant" racer's movement and plan. You can not be "attention deaf" and thinking about the first place prize. You must be fully mindful to your partner and their every movement during the race.
In my meditation upon this memory, I heard God's Spirit clearly say to me,..."Donald, when you walk through life each day with Christ Jesus, imagine that the two of you are in a potato sack race toward a divine purpose. Christ has placed one of his legs in that bag and now offers to you the opportunity to place one of your legs in there too. Hanging tightly onto Christ and pulling the bag up, the two of you can go forth to do God's work in the world. But remember, you are not the dominant leg in that bag! Your task is to be constantly ATTENTIVE to every movement of Christ and to imitate it by following in an exact manner. Let Christ establish the speed and direction of your path and when ever Christ wishes to stop and relate to someone along this path, you must also stop and participate in God's work with that person."
A vibrant Christian life, similar to the needs of that potato sack race, requires our constant attention (mindfulness) to each movement of the Spirit in our life.
My prayer for you is..."Lord, each day as I walk with you, keep me always mindful that I must walk at YOUR PACE...not my own. And let me rejoice with you every time you stop to love and care for some one along today's life-path." Amen
God's blessings to each of you and peace Donald Luke
Several years ago while I was a first order brother in the Society of St Francis, I had a "street experience" which not only changed my life but also taught me a lesson about "mindfulness". It happened as I walked up San Francisco's Market Street while wearing my Franciscan habit. I was on my way to find a store in which I could buy a little gift for a newly-arrived grandchild. Throughout my adult life I had a pattern of "fast paced" walking through crowded city streets. Barreling along at break-neck speed, with my mind focused on possible gift suggestions, I plunged across an intersection. In the midst of its confusion, I thought that I had heard someone, from behind me, call out to catch my attention. What my mind perceived, above the "mind-noise" of gift buying, had been very faint - yet it had sounded real. By now the traffic flow had changed and I had to quickly finish crossing the intersection. In the safety of the opposite curb-side, I turned-around to see if that faint voice was attached to any of those passers-by. Cross traffic had resumed and there was a scurry of bobbing faces on that opposite side. No one in that mob seemed to want anything except to move on their way. Had the faint voice only been an electrical "misfire" in my brain or had someone monentarily wanted my attention...my help...my presence in their life? I didn't know. I moved over to the relative safety of a building at that corner and had to ask myself the question. Had some one reached-out for my help, only to realize disappointment by my busied state of "attention deafness"...my lack of mindfulness?
You see, this was not one of those easy questions we some times ask ourselves. I was in my Franciscan habit - a witness to my Christian mission in life. I was supposed to be the one whom others could approach and ask for help...for prayer connection to God...for my compassion...for my attentive presence. And I had failed to hear and respond to a possible request, the nature of which I will never know. Maybe that person had been brought to that particular traffic crossing for the purpose of a helpful encounter with me? I felt at a loss. I had failed in this possible witness to God's love and care of someone in need. This actually brought tears to my eyes. Hunkered up against that building, I had to take a minute and tell my loving God that I was ashamed and sorry for my lack of attention to those around me. It was necessary that I ask for God's forgiveness...and there, near that busy intersection of life, I made a promise to God...a promise to increase my attention to the call of humanity around me... a promise for a stronger "mindfulness" in my life.
A few weeks later this episode came back into my consciousness and, on that occassion, I had time to be "quiet with God" and let the Spirit speak more completely about it. Strange enough, God's words to me were framed in a childhood memory. I remembered some of the games which we children had played at parties and picnics...hide and seek and races of all sorts. In particular, one race stood out in those memories. Maybe you've also played it as a child?....a potato sack race.
If its not part of your experience, let me explain it. Its a race which involves several paired teams and the goal is achieved by the first team to reach the finish line. The paired individuals each put one of their legs into a potato sack (or some type of bag). Hanging on to each other and holding up the loose bag with the leg in it, the team walks, hops, runs...or whatever...toward the finish line. Not so easy! If the kids are savvy, they soon realize that it is best to TAKE SOME TIME and not to rush the race. Also they realize that only ONE OF THE TEAM MEMBERS should command the speed and direction of movement. There must be coordination of the "bagged legs" or confusion and a probable fall will result. It's also necessary that each member of the team "hang-on" to each other for dear life. You see, the successful technique requires TOTAL ATTENTION to the "dominant" racer's movement and plan. You can not be "attention deaf" and thinking about the first place prize. You must be fully mindful to your partner and their every movement during the race.
In my meditation upon this memory, I heard God's Spirit clearly say to me,..."Donald, when you walk through life each day with Christ Jesus, imagine that the two of you are in a potato sack race toward a divine purpose. Christ has placed one of his legs in that bag and now offers to you the opportunity to place one of your legs in there too. Hanging tightly onto Christ and pulling the bag up, the two of you can go forth to do God's work in the world. But remember, you are not the dominant leg in that bag! Your task is to be constantly ATTENTIVE to every movement of Christ and to imitate it by following in an exact manner. Let Christ establish the speed and direction of your path and when ever Christ wishes to stop and relate to someone along this path, you must also stop and participate in God's work with that person."
A vibrant Christian life, similar to the needs of that potato sack race, requires our constant attention (mindfulness) to each movement of the Spirit in our life.
My prayer for you is..."Lord, each day as I walk with you, keep me always mindful that I must walk at YOUR PACE...not my own. And let me rejoice with you every time you stop to love and care for some one along today's life-path." Amen
God's blessings to each of you and peace Donald Luke
Monday, March 21, 2011
Jesus' Golden Rule
Greetings to each of you
The Golden Rule of Jesus
We're now in the early days of another Lenten season which causes us to reflect on the quality and nature of our relationship with God and all humanity. In the church's liturgy and prayers, we are reminded of our failings and need for forgiveness. Often the Psalms for Lent speak of our need to live within the framework of God's commandments...the Law. But many people say, "that's too hard...there are too many rules...how can I ever do that?"
In Jesus' great "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7), he taught the principles which should guide our relationships. In verse-after-verse, he developed a framework for our interactions with others. Then in Matthew 7:12, he laid down the KEY with which we can obey God's law in our relationships with fellow humans.. "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is (God's) Law and the prophet's" (teaching). In this verse Jesus distilled all of God's law and guidance for human relationships.
But was this guidance "something new" from God? Doesn't it sound like the "golden rule" of behavior which was taught by other faith leaders?
Confucius (551-479 BCE)..."Do not unto others what you would not have them do unto you."
Buddha (470-390 BCE)..."Hurt not others with that which pains yourself or in ways that you yourself would find hurtful."
Lao Tzu, founder of Taoism (604 BCE)..."Rejoice at the success of others, and sympathize with their reverses, even as though you were in their place."
Rabbi Hillel, a contemporary of Jesus summed the Jewish thought as..."What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow humans."
So, a person might say that Jesus was simply asking his followers to obey an older rule of behavior for all human relationships. Is there anything new in Jesus' teaching? If I follow the ancient "golden rule" to do good to others, I am the judge of what I believe is "good". Is my love for others always of the same quality? Maybe, my "good" is more empoverished toward one person and richer to another? Can I judge my love toward one person to be "adequate" even if it is inferior to the level of love I show others? In that situation my personal desire can control and throttle my level of love to various people.
However, when Jesus told his followers "to do to others as you would have them do to you", he made HIS LIFE and MINISTRY the EXAMPLE of how he defined the little verb, "do". He taught those who follow him that we should "do to others" as Jesus did to others...as Jesus accepted others...as Jesus loved others.
Toward the last days of Jesus' life, he taught his followers a more PROFOUND meaning of his earlier phrase, "do unto others", when he told them that the verb "do" is a manifestation of LOVE. "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER." (John 13:34-35 NSRV). In the middle of this verse, there is a short sentence which settles the problem about my ability to judge how much love to show...how much care to give others. Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment that you love one another, JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, you should love one another". It is no longer MY judgment about the "goodness of what to do" or the amount of love to be shown to others. My love and care for others should follow the pattern of Christ's love which I HAVE EXPERIENCED.
Here Christ raised the ethical level of this "revised golden rule". The example of Jesus' love to others was always...
appropriately intense,
rightly directed
and available to all others (inclusive).
As a follower of Christ, this must be the pattern for my loving and caring relationships with all others! No longer do I have the judgmental role which gauges the degree of appropriate "loving or doing". I am to love others as Christ has loved me! Now if that doesn't force me to my knees before God, praying for added love and strength, I don't know what it might take! The Lenten season provides the opportunity for introspection to recognize that, in my love for God, I want to live more perfectly within the divine standards for all my human relationships. Yet, as a human I realize that I can not do this alone. It is essential that the Christ Spirit within each of us empower us to live according to the example of Jesus. During Lent we make ourselves more vulnerable and open to God's work to create in us this divine love and to re-define our soul walk reflecting Jesus' amplification of the old "golden rule".
It is my prayer that each of us will use this season to honestly expose our hearts and minds to the Christ Spirit which will cleanse us...instruct us...stregthen and bless us in our spiritual journey.
God's peace and blessing to each of you, Donald Luke
Monday, March 7, 2011
Undeviating Constancy
January 11, 2011
Greetings,
Many years ago while attending the University of Iowa, I took a course to study the Hebrew Bible which was taught by a visiting Jewish theologian, Leo Schwarz. It was an interesting experience and from it I continue to reflect on his thought about the single most powerful word in the Old Testament writings. In
Dr. Schwarz's view, it was the Hebrew word which is translated in English as STEADFAST. On almost every page of the Scriptures, we can find evidence of God's steadfast love, care and covenant with humanity.
Now, steadfast is not a word which usually falls off of the tongue and to many modern listeners, it is an unusual word with a cloudy meaning. My dictionary claims that this word means "fixed or steady in direction but chiefly is used to indicate an UNDEVIATING CONSTANCY or RESOLUTION". (1) At the beginning of a new year, it's a good time to think about this word and its implication to our spiritual lives and our ministry to other people.
"I am resolved to follow Jesus" is a song phrase that speaks of our heart's desire to enter this new year in a state of deeper and more committed relationship to Christ and his service. But we all recognize that it is easier to sing the words of a song than it is to live-them-out moment by moment. God may bring into our lives a special opportunity for loving service and the Holy Spirit may call upon us, as Christ's disciples, to act upon this situation. In our desire to be responsive to God, we may enter this service opportunity in whatever manner which meets the need. But sometimes the need is not fulfilled in a moment's time nor even in several of our interactions over a few days. This is particularly true when God asks us to become loving support to another person in emotional, spiritual or physical need. Often this type of Christian service to others is prolonged and complicated by factors that we can not fully control. It is easy to become frustrated, tired or just-plain fearful as we continue our God-directed support to such an individual. As our frustrations increase, it becomes more and more difficult to maintain constancy in our loving Christian support. And it may require personal time, strength and resources which we fear may become depleted or simply inadequate for the task. Yet, we are called to be "steady in our resolution" for service. But, HOW??....
First, I believe that it is important that we CLEARLY HEAR the divine wish which the Holy Spirit makes apparent to us. A soldier responds to his commander's orders, but only those orders directed to that particular soldier. Sometimes we assume a task which was not directed to us. It doesn't hurt your relationship with God if you ask God to affirm or clarify in your spirit the nature of what you are to do. And in the same prayer, you can ask for the right opportunity, adequate resources and sufficient courage and love to complete the service.
The next matter for you to realize is that God will not send you out alone to do the divine work, but rather, God will always be with you in the task. It is God's love, compassion and wisdom IN and WITH YOU which will be manifested in the service as you and God BOTH do the work. If God is the primary "mover" of this work which engages both of you, never fear that there will be insufficient love, opportunity and resources for the task. God adequately provides! As you engage with the person-in-need, try to be a "vessel" or "channel" for the Holy Spirit in you to flow forth in words, care and wisdom. Now, that may sound a little "too religious" and like jargon. But it is a fact that the Holy Spirit is present in a Christian and is adequate for any given task. Relax and let God's presence be expressed!
We all wish that the other person's needs could be "fixed" with a simple word, smile or deed. But unfortunately, often that is not the case. Here is the place where the consistent and steadfast nature of Christian service is important. The problems related to the other one's needs may be complex and multidimensional. Oh, and did I forget to mention that often people don't respond well to help or become fearful and withdraw from your interaction. Yet, does that mean that God "gives up on them and walks away" allowing them to struggle alone? No, that is not the nature of God. God wants to struggle onward to help them and God NEEDS YOU to be the physical agent for such steadfast, continued service to the individual.
The degree of "success" which BOTH you and God have in this service interaction depends upon the other person's free will to accept this help or change behavior. Neither God nor you can force their decision. And when this type of relational interaction becomes stalemated by unresolved blocks, it is easy for us to want to walk away from the task to which God called us. But, I remind you that God's Spirit can be " quietly persistent" in ministry to us humans. Often it persists by the means of our STEADFAST out-reach to that person. In such a situation, it may be necessary for God to "whisper" to the individual and, therefore, we must "tone-down" or reduce some of our effort; but it is important that we not give-up in our effort to reach the other one in need. There is a variable degree of urgency expressed in the nature of the Holy Spirit's communication with us. Sometimes, God seems to shout at us to serve the needs of someone, while at other times the Spirit quietly whispers the message to us. And certainly in those times, we must persist in steadfast, even if quiet, effort to help.
Our task is only to follow the Divine Commander's orders. WHEN, HOW and IF the ministry succeeds is not fully in or control. Many stories in the life and ministry of Jesus illustrate these principles and should remind us that "success" is not always an immediate or recognized matter. I hope that this reflection will be helpful to you as you initiate (or continue previous) ministries with God's children-in-need.
"Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine." (2)
(1) Random House College Dictionary, revised 1975
(2) a closing statement from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer
Greetings,
Many years ago while attending the University of Iowa, I took a course to study the Hebrew Bible which was taught by a visiting Jewish theologian, Leo Schwarz. It was an interesting experience and from it I continue to reflect on his thought about the single most powerful word in the Old Testament writings. In
Dr. Schwarz's view, it was the Hebrew word which is translated in English as STEADFAST. On almost every page of the Scriptures, we can find evidence of God's steadfast love, care and covenant with humanity.
Now, steadfast is not a word which usually falls off of the tongue and to many modern listeners, it is an unusual word with a cloudy meaning. My dictionary claims that this word means "fixed or steady in direction but chiefly is used to indicate an UNDEVIATING CONSTANCY or RESOLUTION". (1) At the beginning of a new year, it's a good time to think about this word and its implication to our spiritual lives and our ministry to other people.
"I am resolved to follow Jesus" is a song phrase that speaks of our heart's desire to enter this new year in a state of deeper and more committed relationship to Christ and his service. But we all recognize that it is easier to sing the words of a song than it is to live-them-out moment by moment. God may bring into our lives a special opportunity for loving service and the Holy Spirit may call upon us, as Christ's disciples, to act upon this situation. In our desire to be responsive to God, we may enter this service opportunity in whatever manner which meets the need. But sometimes the need is not fulfilled in a moment's time nor even in several of our interactions over a few days. This is particularly true when God asks us to become loving support to another person in emotional, spiritual or physical need. Often this type of Christian service to others is prolonged and complicated by factors that we can not fully control. It is easy to become frustrated, tired or just-plain fearful as we continue our God-directed support to such an individual. As our frustrations increase, it becomes more and more difficult to maintain constancy in our loving Christian support. And it may require personal time, strength and resources which we fear may become depleted or simply inadequate for the task. Yet, we are called to be "steady in our resolution" for service. But, HOW??....
First, I believe that it is important that we CLEARLY HEAR the divine wish which the Holy Spirit makes apparent to us. A soldier responds to his commander's orders, but only those orders directed to that particular soldier. Sometimes we assume a task which was not directed to us. It doesn't hurt your relationship with God if you ask God to affirm or clarify in your spirit the nature of what you are to do. And in the same prayer, you can ask for the right opportunity, adequate resources and sufficient courage and love to complete the service.
The next matter for you to realize is that God will not send you out alone to do the divine work, but rather, God will always be with you in the task. It is God's love, compassion and wisdom IN and WITH YOU which will be manifested in the service as you and God BOTH do the work. If God is the primary "mover" of this work which engages both of you, never fear that there will be insufficient love, opportunity and resources for the task. God adequately provides! As you engage with the person-in-need, try to be a "vessel" or "channel" for the Holy Spirit in you to flow forth in words, care and wisdom. Now, that may sound a little "too religious" and like jargon. But it is a fact that the Holy Spirit is present in a Christian and is adequate for any given task. Relax and let God's presence be expressed!
We all wish that the other person's needs could be "fixed" with a simple word, smile or deed. But unfortunately, often that is not the case. Here is the place where the consistent and steadfast nature of Christian service is important. The problems related to the other one's needs may be complex and multidimensional. Oh, and did I forget to mention that often people don't respond well to help or become fearful and withdraw from your interaction. Yet, does that mean that God "gives up on them and walks away" allowing them to struggle alone? No, that is not the nature of God. God wants to struggle onward to help them and God NEEDS YOU to be the physical agent for such steadfast, continued service to the individual.
The degree of "success" which BOTH you and God have in this service interaction depends upon the other person's free will to accept this help or change behavior. Neither God nor you can force their decision. And when this type of relational interaction becomes stalemated by unresolved blocks, it is easy for us to want to walk away from the task to which God called us. But, I remind you that God's Spirit can be " quietly persistent" in ministry to us humans. Often it persists by the means of our STEADFAST out-reach to that person. In such a situation, it may be necessary for God to "whisper" to the individual and, therefore, we must "tone-down" or reduce some of our effort; but it is important that we not give-up in our effort to reach the other one in need. There is a variable degree of urgency expressed in the nature of the Holy Spirit's communication with us. Sometimes, God seems to shout at us to serve the needs of someone, while at other times the Spirit quietly whispers the message to us. And certainly in those times, we must persist in steadfast, even if quiet, effort to help.
Our task is only to follow the Divine Commander's orders. WHEN, HOW and IF the ministry succeeds is not fully in or control. Many stories in the life and ministry of Jesus illustrate these principles and should remind us that "success" is not always an immediate or recognized matter. I hope that this reflection will be helpful to you as you initiate (or continue previous) ministries with God's children-in-need.
"Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine." (2)
(1) Random House College Dictionary, revised 1975
(2) a closing statement from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer
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