A Prayer For Advent Week 4

 “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb.” 

- Luke 1.41

God of Love,

This season of Advent is slipping away 

and we are once again at the threshold of

celebrating the light of your love Jesus

- our Emmanuel and Savior born for us.

In these limited Advent days 

may we be attentive 

to how your love 

meets us, encourages us, 

restores us and heals us.

When the darkness seems too much

meet us with the light of your love. 

When the hurts of past try to rob us 

meet us with the light of your love. 

When the imperfections and incomplete 

are made known in the days ahead 

meet us with the light of your love. 

When the expectations and demands 

leave us drained 

meet us with the light of your love. 

When the voices around us are not kind 

or do not know the true gift of this season 

meet us with the light of your love.

When we come to the manger 

with the simple gift of who we are 

meet us with the light of your love,

and lead us to share 

the light of your love with others.

Amen.

Photo Credit: Jan Hruska

A Prayer For Advent Week 3

 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor."

- Luke 4.18

God of Joy, 

Our hearts are lifted up 

as the Advent days grow shorter, 

for we know you are so near. 

Your joy is bigger than smiles shared, 

gifts given and homes decorated. 

Your joy is the depth of the heart.

Your joy sustains us in trials and struggles. 

Your joy is the rejoicing of the good and holy.

Your joy reminds us of your delight in us.

As we journey in this Advent week, 

we trust your joy will meet us no matter the journey. 

We trust your joy is transforming our hearts, 

allowing us to let go of false expectations and gimmicks. 

We trust your joy is at work in us, 

in our tasks, our duties 

and gatherings with others. 

Your joy is echoed in the words of Mary, 

as she declares your goodness in hearing 

the invitation to do your will. 

May we be attentive to your invitations this week. 

May we also declare:

“my soul magnifies”

and “my spirit rejoices,” 

trusting this will guide us 

to the true joy 

at the Bethlehem Manger.

Amen.

A Prayer for Advent Week 2

 “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low.    

The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth,

and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” – Luke 3.5-6

God of Peace,

Our world is so topsy-turvy

it always has been,

and yet you promise us

peace which is everlasting.

Our hearts may feel anything but peaceful

during this Advent time.

We have things to do, 

people to see,

gifts to wrap, 

and cookies to bake.

When our to do list grows too big

gently remind us 

you came among us 

to be our peace. 

Your peace

is the deepest longing

in our heart.

Your peace

is what settles

our worries and fears.

Your peace

is always present

even when we do not know it.

As we settle into this season

may we be aware of those

who do not know peace and your peace:

those who are at war

and those who live in war zones,

those who are restless and disturbed

and those who feel helpless,

those who are isolated and alone

and those who are on the edge,

those who are hungry and homeless

and those who are seeking community.

Fill our hearts with your peace

so we may be messengers of peace

in our actions and in our words

in this season and beyond.

Your invitation to peace is the instrument

shaping our Advent path to the manger

where we meet the Prince of Peace.

Amen.

Photo Credit: Joanna Kosinska

A Prayer for Advent Week 1

“Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 

– Luke 21.28

God of Hope,

The countdown Advent days have begun

and the frantic pace is settling in.

In these days of preparation when

demands seem more,

needs seem high,

and expectations seem otherworldly,

let us settle into hope. 

Your hope, O God, 

is not of gifts wanted,

chores done,

or cookies baked.

Your hope is about the movement of the heart,

how light settles into us this season,

and how we carry this light

as hope-bearers on the way to the manger.

In these Advent days

fill us with your hope, O God,

for it is the anchor of faith

and the response of love.

As each Advent day disappears 

may we be renewed 

as pilgrims on the way

to the Bethlehem crib.

Guide us, O God, 

in your ways of hope

so, the frantic pace 

may know moments of pause,

the demands

gain perspective,

the needs 

met with kindness,

and the expectations

seen in perspective.

In this Advent season 

we will gather with family and friends

in these moments

stir up in our hearts 

hope 

which leads us to the manger (not the malls) 

where we will meet the Child

- our true and lasting Hope.

Amen.

Photo Credit: René Porter

A Prayer for the Solemnity of Christ the King

Christ the King,

a humble servant,

a faithful companion,

a hope bearer

you truly show us 

what it means to be a king.

Christ the King,

you who are 

The Way

The Truth

The Life

guide us in the ways 

of your kingdom.

Christ the King,

as this year draws to a close

instill in us your peace,

pour on us your mercy,

fill us with your love,

so we may be builders with you

of your everlasting kingdom.

Christ the King,

in a world which seems so uncertain,

guide us in kingdom actions,

so your kingdom may come here in certainty, 

knowing it is solid and secure.

Christ the King,

we come to you with hearts full of praise

today, tomorrow and forever.

Amen.

To Contemplate Sister Death

 

During the month of November, we are invited to remember deceased loved ones. It is good for us to call to mind those who have journeyed with us and those who have impacted us. We may recall those we miss dearly because their death is still fresh in our minds or those we miss who have been gone for so long already. We may also call to mind those who have died in wars or natural disasters. Calling to mind these people and praying for them is a gift and way which holds us together as the Communion of Saints – the Body of Christ.

St. Francis reminds us death is our Sister and is the portal into the fullness of life in God. We need not fear death, rather we can contemplate it and all its mystery.

My good friend Adam Thom has written a beautiful piece which speaks to the mystery of death and the holiness of it. Adam has a personal and deep encounter with death, his reflections come from this lived experience. I think it speaks to each of us who also have had this encounter. I invite you to slowly read this piece and let it sit in you. Come back to it again over the weeks ahead. There is so much in his words and images. Consider your loved ones gone before you and your own journey.

I am grateful for Adam’s permission to share this writing. Adam is a talented writer, thinker and photographer. You can check out his work at: https://adamthom.substack.com/

May all the faithful departed rest in peace.

May perpetual light shine upon them.

 

 

Ode to June

by Adam Thom

 

One day I will cease and no longer be.

My corpse will rot, return to the dirt

—for it is from the dirt by which I come.

 

I will no doubt be forgotten

—slowly—

more and more with each passing day.

 

The day will come

when I will draw my last

and give my last breath.

 

My eyes will gaze at someone's face

once more with love,

and then—not one glance more.

I will look

into the deep caverned eyes

of one I love,

and in blinking once more,

will not for a second more.

 

I will hear

the gentleness of a morning breeze

that will eventually cease

—and in that silence,

when the echoes of the wind

continue its course,

my whole life will flash by.

 

The silence will come

—though it already is—

and in certain moments,

I hear it and yes even see it

—and in it,

I am taught to give up my life.

 

Silence

—the eternal teacher of my life.

The teacher that gazes on me

through the silence of everyone

and everything.

The silence of others’ lives

meeting the silence of mine. 

The silence will come,

perhaps unannounced,

wrapping me in its mantle,

and I will exist truly,

silently,

and fully

—finally—

in the hearts

of all.

 

I will once and for all

be asked to die

to the last things that I hold dear:

images of life;

of faces I’ve known and seen,

voices too familiar to forget,

the memory of wandering strangers

that I have passed by, though,

by some mysterious grace,

whose faces have never left me.

 

All of this

—for all of its beauty and goodness—

will be surrendered

at the feet of Silence,

and in silence,

perhaps, only then will I be whole;

who I was made to be;

truly and fully alive.

 

The particular will always exist but 

as one in the mantle of silent hands,

through which, in the end,

we will all be born.

 

In the twilight of my life,

I will thank all in silence,

pray for all in silence,

and love all in silence.

 

For the first time,

I will be a full member

of the human race;

of God’s children, God’s creation,

God’s Beloved—

raptured in the Silence that is Love.

 

I will no longer speak of “God in my world”,

but will understand for the first time,

perhaps just how much it has always been,

“I in God’s world”

—But no, I will no longer speak—

for I will be silent;

in awe and wonder

at the infinite

beauty and mystery

that is true Life.

 

In shock at my poverty

as a child,

as a creature,

as a being

—I will have no more to say,

because my whole life was spent

trying to say it all,

and finally

the Silence of such Mystery

will silence me once and for all,

and I will surrender

into it’s silent and loving hands;

freely, lovingly, and happily,

finally at the cusp

of all that matters,

all that truly is,

and all that,

in the end,

will remain

forevermore.

 

Photo by: Adam Thom

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi 2024: Trust, Believe and Rebuild

Saint Francis of Assisi, just say his name and it evokes different images, encounters and prayers. People the world over recognize this saint, our founder, and connect with him. They are inspired and encouraged by this medieval saint. Our own bishop of Calgary chose this day a year ago to launch the renewal process for the diocese and again chooses this year to launch year two of the Diocesan Renewal. Saint Francis captures the attention of many, because he points to Jesus and challenges us with the famous tagline, he heard from the cross, “Go rebuild the church.”

This sense of rebuilding can only take root in each one of us if we consider this saint not as an icon set aside but a common man set in motion open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This common man who was so in love in with Jesus the Christ; he saw him in the leper, in his brothers and in the church. This common mas who was in awe before God because God had created all as siblings calling them to return praise to God.

This common man, this saint, this brother of ours invites us to pay attention to the here and now. As the church enters the final stages of the Synod on Synodality, as we prepare for the 2025 Jubilee, as we mark centenaries of the Franciscan world, and in this diocese continue the Renewal Process, Saint Francis calls us to rebuild the church sharing who we are, what we offer and to do so in union with each other both the least and the great. 

The often-unheard text from Sirach (Sirach 50.1,3-4, 6-7) evokes the image of St. Francis rebuilding the church. We can easily imagine him holding up the church in the dream of the Pope. The Pope knowing he must respond and not simply let it pass by. Do we ever consider how we rebuild the church by the way we rebuild our lives in each season? 

In each season of life we must choose to continue to build on the foundation who is Jesus. Francis did this, and in doing so he was able to say, “I have done what is mine to do… may you do what is yours.” He built and then continually rebuilt his foundation on Jesus.

This building and rebuilding comes with the responsibility to “carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body,” as St. Paul says (Galatians 6.14-18). “To carry the cross” knowing in each trial, in each burden, and in the weight of the cross, there is also the hope of the Paschal Mystery. When Jesus calls those who are weak, wearied, and burdened; when he gives God praise for those who see with simplicity and don’t loose sight of their childlikeness we are invited into the movement of the Paschal Mystery and the life of the resurrection. We can see these movements in the life of St. Francis. He both delighted and was frustrated with brothers returning from mission, his time spent sharing with St. Clare, a Christmas moment at Greccio, the caves and crevices at La Verna, his Canticle of Creatures bursting from his lips, in his desire to know Christ so intimately so as to be branded with his wounds and his desire to be laid naked on the naked earth as he died speak to the renewal of the Paschal Mystery. These movements in the life of this common saint are invitations for us to consider how we also rebuild the church. Francis had to learn it was not a physical rebuild rather this rebuilding is about being relationship with fraternity, the ordinary and Jesus the Christ. So do we.

St. Francis trusted in the words of Jesus, he lived the gospel and calls us to do the same. If we consider the gospel for this feast (Matthew 11. 25-30) paying attention to the words of Jesus, we know St. Francis trusted and believed Jesus was present to him in his weariness and burdens and was revealing to him a way to live. He may not have known in full what this all meant and yet he believed he could reveal Jesus to the world. Do we? Do we trust and believe we also reveal Jesus to the world? On the good days yes, on the challenging days maybe not so much…regardless of where we are today let us trust we are met and renewed with the same love and presence of Jesus the Christ. Let us trust and believe our Brother Francis points the way to this moment and each moment of rebuilding which follows. 

Entering Autumn

 

    The Autumn Equinox with its equal balance of light and darkness calls us to consider:

-            What is out of balance in our life?

-            What light do wee need to carry with us into the darkness?

-            What are we harvesting during this autumn?

-            What are we preparing to let go of or let be dormant for a season?

 

As the season of autumn and harvesting unfolds, we become attentive to moments which have slipped passed. We honor them and release them to God.

               As we enter this autumn time, we take note of the changes in weather and colour. We pause to ponder what changes we are facing.

               As day light lessens, we cherish the gift of light a bit more. We contemplate how light meets us and how we let our light shine.

 

Lord,

in this season

help us to be attentive,

guide us with clarity

and freedom to release.

Amen.

 

Photo Credit: Tim Gouw

 

Celebrate Sacred Space

It was 5:43 am on Saturday morning, the new light of day was beginning to fill more of the sky, I was out on the grounds in the quiet of the morning. As I moved a few tables into place and posted a few signs, my heart sang, “Bless the Lord my soul.” The day would soon become busy and loud but in these few moments of quiet, alone in creation, my contemplative heart was filled with hope as I moved into action. A few hours later I was greeting hundreds of people and sharing in a festival day to launch the 75th Anniversary of Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre.

In my opening greeting to launch the day, I quoted Psalm 118, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!” This verse echoed through both days of activities and events. As the final guests left on Sunday afternoon this sense of rejoicing and gladness lingered for a community of neighbours, the faithful, retreatants, and the curious had gathered to celebrate sacred space. To celebrate sacred space over the two days of the 75th Anniversary celebrations meant retreatants connecting, community organizations being supported, music filling the tent and lofting out into the hills, a mix match of people gathering at picnic tables to enjoy food, the sound of laughter filling the air, quiet moments of prayer holding us, and the trails being walked together. Rejoicing and gladness were indeed how sacred space was celebrated.

  

It was 6:15 am on Sunday morning, the cool air of an August morning surrounded me as I made my way out to the tent to prepare for the Anniversary Mass. I reflected on the day before as this same space was filled with music of all styles, with children running and elders sharing stories. I thought of the Friars of long ago and wondered if the hopes and promises they carried as they began The Mount had considered this far into the future. I was overcome with joy and peace as again, “Bless the Lord my soul” sang in my heart. A few hours later I was once again greeting hundreds of guests as they joined us for Mass with Bishop McGrattan. 

Michael Vos, Trustee for the Franciscans at The Mount, in his welcome at Mass said, “Like the Friars in 1949, we carry hopes and promises with us. Like every retreatant who steps foot onto this sacred space, we trust our God is meeting us in our journey and filling us with hope, peace and healing, as we pray together and for each other.”

The six hundred plus people who gathered for the Eucharist did indeed pray for each other, as we sang together and came to the table of the Lord together with our hopes and promises and prayers. I recalled how every retreat offered at The Mount is a invitation for renewal, for peace, healing and prayer. As our diocese enters deeper into the renewal journey, I couldn’t help but take note of this moment of all of us gathered. It was a renewal moment for The Mount and all those who make time to come on retreat as we step foot into the next 75 years of retreat ministry. We trust God is guiding us, we remember those who built this sanctuary and we invite everyone to find their way down the grid to 41160 Retreat Road as a place to be renewed and to celebrate sacred space.

Mount St. Francis celebrated 75 years on August 10 and 11, 2024.

- This reflection originally appeared in Diocese of Calgary Faithfully Edition for August 19, 2024.

Called and Sent Forth

 

 Jesus called the twelve 

and began to send them out two by two…. 

the twelve went out…. 

 - Mark 6.7-13

Sent

we are each sent forth

not just the disciples of long ago.

We are sent forth as the body of Christ

supporting all its members.

Sent

as light to the world,

heralds of hope and good news.

We are sent forth as disciples of this time 

giving testimony to Christ at work in our lives.

Sent

we the many and the one

in unique ways we go forth

into the many roads of life.

The sending forth of the disciples calls to mind the many roads which open before us in summer. Maybe it is to go visit family, or to go camping, maybe it is to a new community or new work, or maybe it is for a wedding, anniversary or maybe it is on retreat or on a pilgrimage. The sending forth of the disciples also invites us to pay attention to who we journey with and who journeys with us for both short trips and the long haul. 

The disciples did not necessarily know where they were going but still them went forth sent by Jesus. Our travel plans this summer might be a bit different as they are set with more specifics but still we are sent. Just because we may have determined the travel agenda doesn’t mean we should not be open to unexpected stops, new discoveries and encountering God with us in the journey and destination. No matter where we travel we are still sent as messengers of the good news – called to give witness to the love of Christ alive. The way we greet fellow travelers, those at our final destination, the family, those at the wedding or those on retreat or pilgrimage calls us to be witness of our baptismal call – we are light of the world and salt of the earth. 

Jesus calls us and Jesus sends us. Let us be attentive to the call and to where we are sent this summer for we will encounter Christ in a fresh way. 

Why not consider the call to pilgrimage or retreat this summer?  There are lots of options no matter where one is on the journey. Not looking for structure? Jump in the car and go for a drive attentive to what surrounds you and what you notice at the stops; begin and end the trip in prayer. Blessings on the journey.

Photo Credit: Claude Laprise

Summer 2024: Movements and Pauses

 

As we draw into the season of summer, where are you at? How is your heart? What are you leaning into or away from? Who is accompanying you?

 

Summer means different things to each one of us. For some it is a time extended rest, for others it is the busiest time of the year, for others it is a time for moving and new beginnings. Although we enjoy longer days and usually more pleasant weather, summer is a regular cycle of life, however I believe it offers a gift as well. The gift is to ask the questions and to then to dwell in them. To take a moment in the quiet of a summer morning or during a thunderstorm or while working in the garden to ask the questions and to listen for how God is weaving the answer into our life. When we listen, we should be drawn into hearing deeply and noticing the movements of our heart.

 

 

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.

They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.

It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green;

in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.

- Jeremiah 17.7-8

Where are you at?

This is an invitation to not only look at where we are at physically, but to note where we are in our relationship with God. Over the course of the first half of this year where have we met God and where has God met us? We need to know where we are so we can appreciate this place and where we have come from or to seek where need to go next both in our living and in our spiritual life. No matter where we are at this summer, let us put some markers on the road map of life which truly matter.

Spend a bit more time reading and contemplating scripture.

Notice the message of creation wherever the roads lead this summer.

A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you;

and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

- Ezekiel 36.26

How is your heart?

Our heart takes a lot of hits. It deals with a lot each day and tries to adjust to heartache and deep joys. To ask how the heart is, is to purposefully pause and pay attention. To hear how our heart is speaking truth into our lives is a needed part of a good journey. Does our heart need to be revived this summer? Allow the sacred space for this nourishment to happen, even if it is only briefly.

Spend time visiting and praying at a pilgrimage site.

Pause with your hands over your heart and breathe in life around you.

  

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.

- Hebrews 13.8

What are you leaning into or away from?

We all have habits and patterns which shape our living. Sometimes they lead us to life, at other times they need to be re-evaluated. Needing to lean into change is not always easy but leads to new life. Leaning into regular routines can allow us to appreciate the work which is ours to do. Leaning away from destructive patterns or empty relationships invites us to make space for what is truly important. What steps do you need to make in either direction?

Go for a drive down a road less traveled, take time to pause on the drive.

Create a gratitude list.

 

Jesus said, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

- Matthew 28.20

Who is accompanying you?

When we stop and consider our life, it is amazing how many people we encounter and share the journey with. Do those who support us and create space for us know we value them? Summer is a good opportunity to connect with these people and celebrate the bonds of life. We never journey alone; our God ensured this truth would be woven into our living with the gift of Jesus.

Gather loved ones around a campfire.

Send a text/card or make a phone call to someone you need to connect with.

 

No matter how our summer unfolds. It comes with invitations. Let us take the time to respond to these invitations among the ones for a barbeque, a pool visit, a road trip or an ice cream.

 

God,

You who journey with us

in all the seasons of our life,

we ask your blessings upon this summer,

wherever we go or wherever we stay

may we know you are with us.

 

You sent your Son,

the true light of the world,

may the gift of summer light

awaken in us the gift of his light in our life.

 

You gift us with your Holy Spirit,

may we respond to the Spirit’s promptings

as we ask questions, as we pause,

as come and go, as we do and be,

while we give thanks for this summer.

Amen.

 

 

Photo Credit:

David Trinks

Aaron Burden

Pentecost: The Breath of Jesus

Pentecost is not just a great festival which marks the birth of the Christian Church it also calls the followers of Christ to action. The most common image for Pentecost is the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and Mary as recorded in Acts (2.1-11). However, the Gospel of John (20.19-23) also has a beautiful Pentecost moment, which speaks to what we are to do as followers of the Risen Christ. 

Yes, the Acts version has people gathered and the gift of languages being shared as the message of Jesus is broadcast. It is powerful and speaks to the diversity of the church. The Johannine version is more intimate and speaks to the gift of the Holy Spirit at work in each one of us. In John’s account the movement of Pentecost begins with Jesus greeting his disciples on the day of Resurrection. He then offers them peace, they are reminded they are sent and finally Jesus breathes on them to receive the Holy Spirit and the call to forgiveness.

I find the intimacy of John’s account a beautiful invitation for all of us who profess to be Christian. The intimacy of the moment capture is a reminder of how intimate our relationship with God is, for Christ dwelled among us and gifted us his very Spirit. This is the intimacy of “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life” (John 15.13). In doing so Jesus released his Spirit to be infused into our living, moving and being (Acts 17.28). The closeness of our Risen Saviour is as a close as our breath. 

The gift of peace Jesus promised his disciples gathered on the evening of the Resurrection, is beyond the peace of our world. It is not even the peace our world tries to fight for each day. The gift of the peace of Christ is the gift of our hearts being attuned to him, of surrendering our demands and false selves knowing we are met with the depth of love poured out. “By his wounds we are healed” (1 Peter 2.24) and this healing comes with hearts which settle into peace when they are met with the wounds of the Risen Lord. Only the risen life which comes with these wounds can bring us true peace.

This peace meets us in what is ours to do, which is to be sent. Notice how Jesus doesn’t tell the disciples to sit around and wait for more instructions, he tells them to go. He reminds them they are sent in his name because he was sent by God. It is in this sending which leads to the great festival of Pentecost where the disciples proclaim the good news, worship God and are a holy place for the Spirit to fall. This too is the truth of our life. We each are a vessel of the Holy Spirit, and we too hold the intimacy of our God in our hearts for we are sent to give witness to how this has transformed our life.

In the upper room on Resurrection Day, Jesus breathes on those gathered, he continues to pour himself out to those whom he loved and empowers them to be forgivers. To forgive means we have made space for the other, it means we have been met with peace, it means we are open to the working of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts and homes are the places where we are filled with Holy Spirit and enkindled with the fire of the love of God, they are where forgiveness takes root. 

The Spirit of Jesus breathes through all of creation and each one of us, may we continue to trust we are met with this gift not only at Pentecost but also in each season of the journey ahead. Let us go forth as the “baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12.12-13) being signs of renewal in our world. Come Holy Spirit!

Photo Credit: Robert Collins

Easter: A Season of New Life

 

       St. Francis of Assisi in his “Praises of God” prayed, “You are our hope, You are our faith, You are our charity, You are all our sweetness, You are our eternal life.” These beautiful lines of prayer speak to the depths of this Easter Season. St. Francis trusted in new life and knew God was the source of this new life. It is why as his life was ending, he was able to prayer, “Praise to you my God for Sister Death.” He trusted in the promise of the Resurrection. He was able to surrender into “My God and My All” who was his hope, faith, charity, sweetness and eternal life. This is the anchor of Easter, our Savior Jesus died entrusting his all into God and God raised him from the dead so we may know the fullness of eternal life. St. Francis trusted in this promise. Do we? As we face the challenges of life, the setbacks, the little deaths, the brokenness and the letting go, do we trust our Risen Lord is with us as our hope, faith, love and life? 

    Mary Magdalene had to, so did Thomas, John, Peter and the Emmaus disciples. In the Easter weeks ahead, we will hear of the early church community which formed after the Resurrection. They too needed to trust the Risen Lord was present with them in the stories they shared and in the blessing and breaking of bread. The first believers are encouragement for us today. The chaos of their world is still the chaos we see in our world; we must be attentive to the Risen Lord in our midst in the simplest of ways. 

    As the Easter weeks unfold, we hear Jesus described as the Good Shepherd, and the True Vine. Images we can appreciate during this springtime. Images which remind us to pay attention to how the Risen Jesus is woven into the ordinary of our lives. The Risen Lord guides us as his flock. He desires nothing more than for us be a community gathered around the gift of his Risen Life. We are also to grow and produce fruit which shows the world we believe what we profess in our baptismal promises which we have just renewed.

Later in the Easter Season we will be reminded of how Jesus showed us God’s love and how he has asked us to show this love for one another. Christ chose us and if he chose us then the way we show who he is and his love in our lives matters. How in this Easter Season can we be concrete expressions of his love? How can we offer the hope of Easter to someone? In what ways can we encourage new life in our relationships and community? 

Weeks from now at the end of the Easter Season, we will hear the beautiful promise of Jesus being with us until the end of the ages and the gift of his Spirit to us. The gift of his Spirit activates in us praise and entrusts us as heralds of his hope, faith, charity, sweetness and new life. Let us be these heralds this Easter Season!

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Easter Peace!

This will be the last post for a several weeks as I take time to work on some new projects and rest. 

Thank you for journeying with me through Lent and into Easter. God bless you. 

Photo credit: Suzanne D. Williams

Awe: The Gift of Easter

        Awe is described as a feeling of reverence and respect mixed with wonder. Does this not describe the Resurrection with the encounter of the empty tomb, meeting the Risen Lord and being sent on mission to tell the Good News? Awe fills us at many moments of our life. It need not be fleeting rather it can be a constant gift which reminds us we are people of Resurrection each day.

Being able to appreciate springtime sunrises often fills me with awe. Seeing a crocus spring up after the winter does as well. So does hearing my name called in a distinctive way. Creation and relationships have ways of gently calling us to be filled with awe. Do we allow ourselves to be touched by awe? Have we moved into “survival mode” or a dull routine where the celebration of Easter has become just another Sunday in the calendar year? This Easter Day is the launching of the 50-day season, an invitation to let awe be a gift to move past survival and routine. It may begin with something as simple as our name being called or in the way we call another’s name.

        We hear our name called thousands of times over our lifetime, when we hear it for the first time in a new way we are filled with awe. The first time I heard my name combined with Uncle or with Friar made me pay attention and take note. I was filled with awe. When Jesus called Mary Magdalene on Easter morn, she heard her name in new way and in hearing it she was awe-filled but also called and sent. She was by name sent as the Apostle to the apostles to announce to them, “Christ is Risen… I have seen him!” We too are called and sent, not only in this Easter Season but all the days of our life. How does our daily living reflect the Resurrection? How do we call others by their name? Do we leave them feeling regret or awe?

     Catholic journalist Philip Kosloski reflecting on the life of St. Francis of Assisi said, “A life lived authentically rooted in the Gospel has more power than any king or earthly ruler and will endure for all eternity.” This is at the core of our Easter awe and living. It is at the core of our name being called by the Risen Christ. This is not just for St. Francis and the countless saints we honor, it is for us, today, here, and now in 2024. We, the saints of today, the People of the Resurrection for our time and space are called and sent. May our lives be a witness of the gospel and lead others to know awe truly is a gift still accessible to us even today. We do this when we embrace how reverence, respect and wonder aren’t obscure gifts rather they are daily gifts because of the Resurrection of Jesus. We are claimed in baptism, we are called to live the gospel authentically (which means always learning and growing from it) for we are witnesses of the Resurrection. Let us be willing to be filled with awe and then fill our part of the world with awe, it will make a difference just like the Resurrection does each day.

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Easter Blessings!

Photo Credits: Dominik Scythe and Ashlee Marie

High Stakes Humanity: Holy Week Perspectives

       

        As we journey into this Holy Week let us be attentive to the tensions and movements of the heart of not only those who lived with Jesus but also our own and those who live with us. Holy Week is time to consider the perspectives of high stakes humanity.

The shouts of “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord” bring us into this week. We add our voices of praise for we know the rich blessings of Christ. Do we live from a place of blessing and gratitude?

In the gospels for each day of Holy Week we see and hear many different characters. We begin with Pilate and the tension he carries. He feels torn and, in the end, lets pride lead the way. When tensions arise in our life or community do we hold firm in our blinded ways or are we willing to listen to truths we have not considered?

We again encounter Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. They offer a space for Jesus to gather with those dear to him. During this time Mary anoints the feet of Jesus. When we see actions for the good of others which challenge our norm do we get uncomfortable and defensive, or do we take note and let our heart be transformed?

Peter also plays a key role in the unfolding of the week, as does Judas. One denies and the other betrays. We too know the pain these actions cause in our lives. Denial cuts to the heart and betrayal leaves one feeling abandoned. How do we not let moments of denial and betrayal destroy our living in Christ? How do we rise above?

As we enter the Triduum we are invited to table with Jesus and his disciples. At this table not only are we gifted the life-giving bread and living cup, we are also shown what it means to be of true service and to lay down one’s life for another. Who do we need to be gathered at table with during the season ahead? Who do we need to thank for their acts of service? No matter where we are in the journey of life are we willing to lay down our life for another through sacrifices and service?

As we come to Good Friday, we again hear the cries of “Crucify him!” The angry jeers of the crowd. We cannot remain here; we must move to the foot of the cross. Here we see the deep care of Jesus as he gifts John to his mother and his mother to John. The early church will know it is anchored. We too must note the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Their care for Jesus calls us to be care givers for the Body of Christ. How can we do this in these holy days and in the season ahead?

We then we enter the silence of Holy Saturday. A perspective which we often ignore. How can we incorporate even a moment of holy silence into our daily living?

Holy Week is indeed high stakes. Let us enter earnestly, paying attention to the movements of the week and the movements of our heart.

We glory in your cross, O Christ for it is the way to life.

Photo Credit: K. Mitch Hodge

Lent 5 - Renewal: The Essence of Lent

       Throughout the season of Lent we have heard scripture which speaks of renewal and being anchored in Christ. As we begin this Fifth Week of Lent the scriptures for Sunday are an invitation for our hearts to be made new as we journey towards the great Easter Feast. 

The prophet Jeremiah (31.31-34) ascribes to God, “I will be their God and they shall be my people… from the least of them to the greatest.” These beautiful words speak of the deep covenant bond God has with us. Each day this covenant is renewed and refreshed. This covenant is sealed with the love of Jesus Christ poured out for us and each day we must embrace it as a way of living out God’s law of love.

    The Fifth Sunday of Lent is also known as Solidarity Sunday. It is a reminder of the covenant we share with all of God’s people from the least to the greatest. To be in solidarity with each other is to see all as valued members of the covenant. As Christ came to serve, we too are called to follow him by serving him through service to the poorest of the poor and those who do not know they are valued members of the covenant. This speaks of renewal. When we encounter the poor, the sick, or the hurting are our hearts created anew or are they hardened? Do we embrace the essence of Lent as an opportunity not only for our renewal but also for the renewal of the church and all people? 

    This is not a lofty goal set aside for the Pope and theologians, it is the core of who we are as Christians. Each one of us gives witness to Christ and is a messenger of renewal. It is in this witnessing we can then understand the grain of wheat falling into the earth and dying to bear much fruit (John 12.24). If we consider the seed renewed in the way it gives its all to bear fruit, we are encouraged in the renewal of this season. If we fail to see the seed as renewed through it’s giving, we end up feeling cut off, caught up in our stuff and lacking the trust needed for covenant, growth, and renewal.

    In this Fifth Week of Lent let us note the moments of renewal and how we have lived in solidarity with each other this Lent. In prayer let us ask for awareness of where we need to be renewed in our living and in our efforts for solidarity. The days of Lent draw short, the Season of New Life is on the horizon, let us be drawn into the heart of Christ. Let us trust renewal is happening as our hearts are made new even in the smallest of ways. Let us trust our God is with us, for he sent his Son who is our “source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5.9).

Renew us O God, for we are your people.

Photo Credit: Kai Pilger

Lent 4 - Love: The Depth of God’s Heart

Love is an action word which is used loosely and also has a lot of power. When used loosely it does not carry strength in it’s meaning, for example: “I love chocolate chip cookies.” However, when love carries power, it sounds more like, “Until my dying breath I will love you” and these words are followed through with actions which show the power of this love.

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is known as Rejoicing Sunday because we are over the half point in our Lenten journey. We may be rejoicing because our Lenten practices are going well or we may be rejoicing because soon it will be Easter and our feeble attempts of Lenten disciplines can fade away until next year. Regardless of where we are this Rejoicing Fourth Sunday of Lent the depth of love is at the forefront of the scriptures.

In the story from Chronicles even in the unraveling of the people and their unfaithfulness, God meets them with compassion to stir their hearts. Even when they do not respond God remains faithful to the power of love. Where have we encountered the love of God in our life? When we feel like life is unraveling do we trust the love of God is meeting us, strengthen us, restoring us?

“For God so loved the world he gave his only Son” is one of the most quoted pieces of scripture. It’s nice to quote, but it must be more than a tag line in our Christian experience. Like Nicodemus we have a choice when we hear these powerful words. We can raise our eyes to see the promise of eternal life through the cross and resurrection or simply leave it as nice story told once a year. We can believe we are saved through the gift of Christ with us or not. We can trust his light is infused in us and enables us to serve others or we can ignore the light. It is good to ask ourselves: Why do I believe? Where has the light of Christ been made present to me? Where have I encountered the depth of God’s heart? What are my reasons (or the cause) for rejoicing this week of Lent?

We are “made alive, raised up with Christ and gifted with eternal life” (Ephesians 2.4-10), these alone are gifts to rejoice in. The challenge is to consider where in our living and in the lives of others do we see these gifts. St. Francis of Assisi once said, “where there is love (charity) and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.” Let us lean into power of love for from it comes the wisdom to live well, to preach the gospel with our lives and to rejoice in the depth of the love of God which is always for us.

 

By your Love, O God, you have gifted us Eternal Life. 

 

Photo Credit: Anna Kolosyuk