Chaos to Kairos? Pentecost 20205/31/2020 Pentecost 2020
What does this Pentecost 2020 feel like to you? As I look back at what I wrote last year, I can hardly believe the chaos, fear, violence, suffering that is woven into the fabric of our lives these days. I spoke of a “pent up inner G” playing with the idea of a positive energy that is let loose on the world at Pentecost. I’m sure you know what pent up energy is; when you have so much going on inside that you can hardly hold this energy within you. On this Pentecost Sunday, can you imagine God’s “pent-up energy” that must be released in the world, as the Spirit of the Risen Jesus? Isn’t Pentecost another Big Bang? It’s an explosion of God’s Spirit, symbolized in driving wind, tongues of fire, shouting and singing and dancing in the streets, speaking in tongues so that all can understand the Good News that Jesus is Lord! In Physics, G is the symbol for the Newtonian gravitational constant. The “inner G” I imagine to be what is within us that weighs us down, that pulls us inside ourselves, that brings us down to earth. But a pent-up inner G wants to soar to the sky, and let loose and jump for joy and leap with laughter For me, Pentecost is a day to go fly a kite or go sailing or wind surfing. It’s a day to do something where the wind gives you that “soaring” feeling. It’s a “let loose” day where you’re Inner G is and Energy that breaks out into smiles, songs, dances or even, 200-yard drives (That’s a big bang for me!) How do we celebrate the Spirit of God’s peace and consoling love, when there is cruelty and brutality in the way a person entrusted with “peace keeping” treats another human being, causing his death? Racial injustice, profiling cannot help but cause explosions of anger, rage and desire for retribution. The death of George Floyd is only one instance of the malevolence that dehumanizes and makes us forget our common bond as fellow human beings. In prayer this morning (or better, in despair this morning) I was remembering the death of Jesus on the cross. He, too, called for his mother and could have said “I can’t breathe” as the weight of his body on the cross crushed his lungs. He, too, must have gasped for air as he took his last breath. The only consolation I could find was knowing that his death on the Cross was the catalyst not only for his Resurrection but for the sending of the Spirit. On Pentecost the world is flooded with a divine, creative energy which we call Love, and which is meant to “renew the face of the earth” Would we dare to hope that the death of George Floyd might lead to a flood of justice, peace and equality for all? We can hope and pray for that outcome. Could the chaos of the present moment bring us to a "kairos" time where Christ's peace is in the hearts of all? Between the virus and the violence these days, it’s not easy to be swept away by the Spirit and “go fly a kite” or be “dancing in the streets.” Even so, I share with you a few “updrafts” that might bring you some of the Spirit’s consolation. pentecost_points_for_prayer.docx pentecost_points_for_prayer_2.docx The link below is to David Haas' Send Us Your Spirit. It's part of an instruction video, Dance in Christian Worship that I put together in 1996. vimeo.com/346228177#t=2620s The photo below is of Joel Peterson dancing on an outdoor stage. This article appeared recently in the Boston Globe.
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Leaf Lines5/29/2020 Friday of the 7th Week of Easter
The lines in these beautiful russet leaves have drawn me into a reflection on “life lines.” During this time when there are no clear lines to life except the ones that call for social distancing and wearing masks, it’s good to think about what our true life lines are, the faith, hope and love that are the gifts of the Spirit. In a conversation this morning with someone who is finishing up the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday life, we spoke about how the Spirit is always present in our lives. Sometimes it’s very clear that the Spirit is working with us and at other times it calls us to go deep within to find the Spirits' moving within us. There's so much going on that we do not see. Tomorrow’s reading from Paul says it well. Brothers and sisters: We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Pentecost, we might think about our “life lines” so that they might lead us to Be-leaf. Glory! Us?5/28/2020 Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter
In the tradition of St Ignatius “repetitio” (repetition) this morning’s reflection is from last year. I think it’s worth a second look. These days life has lost lots of its luster so it may be helpful to remember these words of Jesus from his “legacy” prayer in the Gospel today. Where do we find the "glory" within us during these pandemic days? “And I have given them the glory you gave me,” God’s glory in us? Really? I don’t think I’ve ever paid attention to this line from John’s Gospel. Sharing in the divine life? Yes. Jesus says over and over that we are united with him as he is with the Father. Isn’t “glory” reserved for the glorious? If you’ve ever felt “tarnished” or “lackluster,” you may be skeptical about Jesus’ claim that he has given you the glory that God has given him. Some of us may feel more “notorious” than worthy of note or glory. Despite the famous words of Irenaeus, “The Glory of God is the human person fully alive," it does seem like a stretch to imagine God’s glory within us. Love, yes but Glory? Glory is something reserved for God, isn’t it? And yet, Jesus says “I have given them the glory you gave me.” As I contemplated this affirmation of God’s glory within each of us, I thought of the most “glorious” piece of choreography that I’ve created. What came to mind was “Hodie Christus Natus Est” The music is by Ralph Vaughan Williams. https://vimeo.com/61032238#t=900s As you will see, the movement, color, lighting, music meld together to create something very “glorious.” Even though it’s a Christmas piece with Angels, Shepherds, Magi, Mary and Joseph, there may be something in it that illustrates something of the “glory of God” not only in the birth of Christ 2000 years ago, but in the day to day (Hodie) birthing of Christ’s glory in each of us. The dahlias in the photo above are pretty “glorious” as is the sunrise reflection. Hollow-Hallow-Fallow-Follow5/27/2020 Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter
Take a good look at the empty playground set with the “kids only” sign. When I saw it this morning, it only intensified what I was feeling and thinking. “There should be children playing, running free, climbing, crawling and sliding and knowing the freedom that comes with being only a “kid.” Another word for “empty” is “hollow” and that describes well what I was feeling this morning. You may know the “hollow” feeling these days of the pandemic. When you try to be hopeful, positive, forward looking, you encounter feelings of emptiness. There are so many more questions than answers. “Where did it all go? What does the future hold? Will life ever be the same?” As people of faith in a God who accompanies us and is in solidarity with human suffering in Jesus Christ, we are each day challenged to acknowledge the emptiness, the “hollowness” and let God’s spirit, “hallow” us; fill our emptiness and make hollowness, holiness. With the odds stacked against us during this pandemic, it means the Spirit will have to be even more active these days to do what the Spirit does as Consoler and Animator. I think the Spirit’s gift to me this morning is moving from Hollow-Hallow to “Fallow-Follow.” During this time, so much of life is lying fallow. It’s still there, waiting for its time to be fruitful again. The challenge is to be ok with just “laying low” and allowing ourselves this fallow time. We don’t know what will “follow” but there may be something wonderful and unexpected. After all, this is the God that transformed Jesus’ death on a cross into Resurrection! We may not know “what” will follow but we certainly know “who” to follow. We follow the one who prays that we may know the joy that is his and be consecrated in his truth. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth. A good “fellow” to “follow!” And why not a “mellow, yellow” as a photo finish? Know Nostalgia?5/26/2020 Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter
Do you know where the word “nostalgia” comes from? Surely, you know nostalgia, especially these days when there is such longing for a return to the way things were. I’ve always thought of “nostalgia” as a wistful sigh for what was. The poem I shared with you yesterday has that nostalgic feeling. Seeing rhododendrons bloom again, smelling the perfume of lilacs, creates a nostalgia, a surge of memories of time past. On my walk down “memory lane” the other day, I saw a carpet of pink petals from a cherry blossom tree and remembered how I had stopped in that same place and taken a photo. A nostalgic moment! And yet, “nostalgia” is more than just a longing for what was, a wistfulness for times past. It comes from the Greek, “nostos” which means “return home” and “algos” which means “pain.” It’s where the word “home sickness” comes from. Nostalgia is a powerful reminder that our deepest longing may be for our eternal home with God and that these passing moments of longing for the past or “the way we were” are sign posts on the way to our true destination. This “nostalgia” or “homesickness” or longing for the One who can satisfy that longing, is heard today in Paul’s words. Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace. “But now I know that none of you to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels will ever see my face again. A similar “nostalgia” is heard in Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began. The “nostalgia” in both passages is not for what was but for what will be. It’s the knowledge, deep within, that the mystery of time passing, and life lived, finds its meaning in the God who is All in All. (The photo above was taken this year, 2020. The photo below is from the same time last year, 2019.) Once Upon A Tomb5/25/2020 Monday of the 7th Week of Easter/ Memorial Day
Last year I was having a great deal of fun finding rhymes for the flowers that were blossoming, “Redolent Rhododendrons,” “Wistful Wisteria,” “Eye Opening Irises” were some of the titles. Today being a day of remembering, when I saw the rhododendrons beginning to blossom again, I was moved to write a poem about what this spring is and isn’t and all the memories that we have of other spring times. It’s a challenging time for all of us as we try to find a “rhyme and reason” for Hope but even in now, our vision, clouded by grief, loss and worry about the future can clear up and we can see more than we hope for. Once Upon a Tomb Redolent rhododendrons rewinding time once upon a spring reminding what once was raucous outbursts blossoming again but now no wonder How can beauty be In time of loss and longing for hope’s uprising? Redolent rhododendrons, unmasking time’s hidden promise, recall memories of springs gone by, mind’s meanderings in a maze of days passed over and forgotten now remembered Wistful wisteria winding vine time, once upon reweaving what was, Tear-shaped buds blossoming again but now shedding tears in truth and now No wonder. How can vines climb And cling In time of solitude When touch is taboo And vining is verboten? Wistful wisteria, wake wishes more than once and for all returning to what was once upon a time in a haze of days past over and wanting, now missed. Eye-opening irises revisioning time, once revisiting, what? no rime nor reason in season and out How can vision be In time of tears and sighs for hope’s upturning? Eye-opening irises teach pupils to see behind the mask of misery and misfortune rewinding time once upon a tomb in a garden a stone rolled back all in a daze, working wonders, all in a maze, Zing! go their heart strings! Irises opening, Light streaming in His uprising! Upper Room with a View5/24/2020 7th Sunday of Easter
When they entered the city they went to the upper room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, including Mary of Magdala, Joanna, Susanna, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. The “Upper Room” plays such a significant role in the life of the friends of Jesus. It is more than a physical space defined by walls, floor and a ceiling and a few windows. It is “uppermost” in the minds of the first disciples as the place of privileged encounter with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, sharing his Last Supper, seeing him as Risen Lord on Easter Sunday and waiting in prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It is an "upper room with a view" of who Jesus is for them and for us. Although, the upper room, the Cenacle comes from the word "dining room", I also think of the "upper room" as the "attic.” Why is that? I think of an attic as a place of treasured memories. Usually in the attic is a lot of "old stuff.” remembrances of times past that you don't want to let go of. There may not be any room for them in the living or dining room now, but there is something special that you want to save, and not let go of. The "attic" is really a storehouse of memories. (Appropriate for memorial day weekend!) These "memorabilia" reconnect us with the spirit of former days and people who have passed. As human being we need to be re-minded of the special relationships in our lives, special moments of significance. In today's scripture, we hear Jesus in the Cenacle, praying for his disciples, his friends. He rejoices in the special gift of friendship he has with them. They are the Father's gift to him. He promises to be with them always but soon in a different way, through the Holy Spirit which will come to them. But he is also asking them to let go of him so that he can be more for them. His mission is coming to an end, but God's Holy spirit will now animate his presence in the world. But it is not just to them alone. God's Holy Spirit is promised to us as well because we too are the Father's gift to Jesus. We have a special relationship with him and with each other as the body of Christ as companion and friends of the Lord. Do we appreciate this? Do we treasure the living memory of Jesus? We know this is a Memorial Day Weekend unlike any other that we have experienced. How will we pray during this Upper Room/ Cenacle time? What is “uppermost” in our minds and hearts? Is it a return to what is familiar or something completely new? The disciples did not know what to expect as they waited. They didn’t know they’d be “blown away” by the power and working of the Holy Spirit. Will we? And while we wait, might we go to the “upper room” of stored memories and give thanks for all that has been, is now and will be? I share with you a story I wrote many years ago entitled, “The Upper Room.” If you read it, you’ll understand why I chose photos of “lilies of the valley.” the_upper_room.pdf An Antidote to Anguish5/22/2020 Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you Yesterday’s headline was Ascension into Despair. Today’s might be An Antidote to Anguish. When I first read today’s Gospel, I immediately was drawn to the word, “anguish.” There is an intensity of pain and suffering captured in this single word. It is even more wrenching than the word “despair.” Anguish comes from the word “angustia” which means “tightness.” It’s as if everything within oneself is contracting inward and all that can be felt is this intense suffering. It feels like a good word to describe what life is like these days. And yet, the anguish that is felt is “time sensitive.” It is felt at a particular time for a length of time. In the case of the woman giving birth, the contractions and labor pains cease when the child is born. (I hope that’s the case!) Whereas the anguish is time bound, the joy that follows is timeless. The problem of course, is that when you are in a state of anguish, it can feel never-ending. The Gospel today tries to reassure us that “joy” is on its way. Remain hopeful, no matter what the pain and anguish you suffer in any given moment. The “antidote to anguish” for me was seeing the look of sheer joy on Joel Peterson’s face while he has getting ready to dance. According to his sister, Ellie, who sent me today’s photos, Joel was “tapping” and then dancing to “Mama” by Il Divo. Joel’s joy is contagious (in the best sense of that word.) Even with all the world’s anguish, there is a light that shines out from this remarkable person. It’s the light of love, hope, joy, and trust. I hope you can feel it and it will bring a smile to your face as it did mine. Defying Gravity/ Rising Up5/21/2020 The Feast of the Ascension
A Headline in the Gloucester paper caught me off guard this morning. ASCENSION OF DESPAIR, it read. What a headline to see on the Feast of the Ascension! It turned out that it was an article on the 1918 Pandemic and not on our present reality but I suppose it could have been. It’s so ironic that a word that means “rising up” would be coupled with a word that suggests “spiraling downward.” There are countless reasons these days for a sense or feeling of spiraling downward. The anxiety that we all feel is like a gravitational pull that keeps us grounded in reality but challenges our faith and our hope and trust in God’s promise. And so, today, on this feast of the Ascension, we ask for the grace to find reasons for “defying gravity” so that we may have our own “up rising.” If we see the feast of the Ascension as a powerful expression of Jesus’ love for the Father and for us; his desire to return to the source of Love so that he may release that divine energy of Love in the world through the Spirit, we can experience today as hopeful, uplifting, defying the gravity of the present reality, while acknowledging the human toll it has taken. Can we let our spirits rise up like the bird in the photo above and see Jesus's ascension in the photo below? Hey! See!5/20/2020 Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
As you can see from the photo above, there was a “bright, golden haze on the horizon” this morning. Part of me wishes it was a “meadow” but, OK, the horizon is just fine. This “hazy” morning caught my attention. OK, that’s the reason for “Hey! See!” In a haze, you can’t see clearly. In a haze, your focus drifts. No single object rivets your attention the way it may when everything is crystal clear. Life is anything but crystal clear these days. Being in a “haze” of worry and wondering about the future may be an apt metaphor for our lives right now. It may also capture the feelings of the disciples in today’s Gospel with all their anxiety as they hear Jesus speaking of leaving them. “I have so much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.” Worry and wondering distinguish these chapters of John’s Gospel. The context, of course, is the impending death on the Cross but we are hearing these words in the context of Jesus’ return to the Father after the Resurrection and the sending of the Spirit. And still we worry and wonder! We want the haze to be lifted so we can see clearly and trust in his promise of the Spirit who will console and sustain us through these difficult, “hazy” times. When Paul speaks to the people of Athens in today’s reading from Acts, he is trying to “lift the haze” from their eyes. He is the one who is saying to them, “Hey! See!” Look at creation and see the one who is the reason for all of this. The one, true God is the “reason for the seasons” and everything else you see. God is the one in whom “we live and move and have our being.” It’s as if the people of Athens are occupying the empty chair you see in the photo below. One’s back is turned away from the expanse of the Ocean behind them. They are missing the revelation of someone so much more beautiful, and true than what they see right in front of them. (That may describe us as well!) There’s an invitation for us to see through the haze of another day of pandemic and let the gifts of creation reveal something of the Creator. Even in the haze, you can see a cruciform figure with arms of light embracing the world in which we “live and move and have our being.” AuthorAs an ordained Catholic priest for 45 years and a member of the Jesuits for 57 years, I've had a great deal of "spiritual" experience! This is a place where I can continue to share my thoughts about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and what it means to live the "mystery of God." Categories |
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