Transfigured and Transformed - Follow Up

One of the readers of this blog has asked me to provide some insight into a few of my reflections in my latest post. So I thought I would make an addendum to my previous post to address the question that has been raised.

The reader states:  You wrote about denying ones "holy calling" and that pretty much hit straight into my heart and what you said of "if we stay in it we will never experience more gifts and blessings". Are you saying, we should leave places that are "good to be here" moments for the opportunity to be transformed? 

When I speak of the “holy calling” I am speaking of our dignity and gift of being a beloved Child of God. I know too often in my life I forget that I am holy and created in the image of God. I forget that I am on the road that leads to sainthood; that being a saint is my call today not an award in death. I find it is sometimes too easy to deny this “holy calling” and simply “fit in”. Transformation continually draws me closer to Christ, his truths and the fullness of life that he desires for me. I know in my own journey there have been times that I have denied this by focusing on my self-serving wants instead of my relationships with others and my baptismal call of priest, prophet and king. Our “holy calling” demands us to be in relationship and to build the kingdom, this we must not deny or we are left alone trying to build a tent for an event that is over or afraid to come down the mountain and live our life transformed.

When I wrote about “if we stay in these good to be here moments we will never experience more gifts and blessings” I was speaking of those times that nourish us, encourage us and fan the flame within us that we wish would never end. These moments like the Transfiguration are short lived but have profound impacts on our life. Think about Peter, James and John in the amazing moment of the Transfiguration - they wanted it to be permanent, for it to be the way for life to be. As wonderful as what that would have been they would have missed walking deeper and further with Christ.

For example I was recently involved in a musical; it was an amazing experience. The weekend ended and I didn’t want it too, I wanted to stay in that moment and live it over and over again. It filled me up, it was a “good to be here” moment. However that weekend and production could not go on forever, what does go on forever is the impact it had on me and how it is challenging me to live that goodness in my reality of daily living. Another moment in my life that is a “good to be here” moment includes coffee with a good friend – the conversation is passionate and full. However if we remained having coffee forever we would never experience growth, challenges or new encounters to come back and share creating again a “good to be here” moment. A final example for me is Christmas. I love Christmas and as much as I would love for it to last forever I know that when the season ends I am challenged to live out the Christmas message in the non-Christmas days of the year and encounter Emmanuel in new ways. In doing so I am opened again for the beauty that is Christmas.

I have come to learn that Christ is constantly at work in our lives in the “good to be here” moments, in the tough moments, in the discerning, in the ordinary, in the grand, in the opprotunities to take a long look back, in our ministry, in the choosing to stay where we are because it is right, in the decisions that call us to make tough choices and so on. These moments shape our lives and our journey of faith so that we can live out our life vocations well, claim with dignity our “holy calling” and help others to claim their “holy calling” as well. We are called to be transformed letting the light of Christ imprint it’s self upon us so we may radiate Him each day, then those “good to be here” moments deepen the Christ event of where we are in this time and place.


I hope these further reflections clarify my take on our "holy calling" and our many "good to be here" moments. Thanks to the reader for asking the question.

Continued Lenten Blessings.

Transfigured & Transformed

The Gospel for Second Sunday of Lent is always the Transfiguration of Christ. It is a beautiful reminder of how we can be transformed, about the light that sits within us, about our belovedness and about courage.

Being transformed is never easy for we like the way things are or at least we are comfortable with them. Transformation calls us to change, to depth and to newness and that can be tough to do and cause great fear… and yet time and time again Jesus says "do not be afraid". These four words of encouragement he says again after his transfiguration to Peter, James and John. It’s the prompting they need to move deeper into the journey with him and to move from staying where they are to where and who they are called to be. This will lead them to the cross (and even abandon him) but through the cross into the life of resurrection which destines us all to be great and saints.

Transformation is ongoing and maybe that is why we at times deny this "holy calling". It is easier to say to the Lord, like Peter did “it is good for us to be here”. There is no denying that at times it is very good to be where we are and we don’t want to leave that moment, just like Peter and his companions in the moment of Jesus’ transfiguration. The thing that always strikes me about these type of moment is that if we stay in it we will never experience more gifts and blessings, we will never be strengthened to face challenges or obstacles, we will not grow, we will become stagnant and soon desire something else which will not satisfy us. Being transformed over and over again in those ‘good to be here’ moments leads us into deeper relationship with Christ, with each other and calls us to share the light that is within us.

In the Transfiguration we read the line “his face shone like the sun and his clothes became dazzling light”. I believe that the power of light that dwells within us is affirmed in that moment. Christ’s light is so strong that it cannot be contained, it pierces our darkness and enflames the light that is within each of us. We each have that light and it is up to us to ensure it burns bright. I am firm believer that the light of Christ dwells in each of us and each of us has the potential to share it, however we too often fear the light that is within and don’t let it penetrate our lives and the lives of those around us. I wonder if we deny our belovedness because of how intense the light is that dwells within and that it will call us to the full life we are called to and to share our life (even lay down) our life for others.

We all know people who radiate light into the world, it just exudes from them. These people touch our lives and spark the flame that is within us. These people seem to have a way of empowering others, affirming others and calling out the belovedness of others. I can think of a few people in my own journey that have been this for me and how much that has impacted my life journey and deepened my faith and challenged me to share my light. I am grateful for the gift of light bearers and how Christ illuminates in and from them. They are encouragement for me to fan my flame and keep it burning; this is the hope which I have spoken of many times before.

It is here at my core that this hope is rooted and in this hope is courage to live my life radiating Christ; knowing that my light is secure; remembering that Jesus said "do not be afraid"; to live knowing that I am a beloved Child of God and to continually be open to the transforming light which is God’s love, mercy and grace. Yes this truly what transformation is for me and for each us.

God,

through Christ Jesus your beloved Son,

your light pierced our darkness

and claimed us as your beloved children.

May we have the courage to claim your

light that dwells in each of us

and share it with others

so we too may transform the world

moment by moment, one day at a time.

Amen.


So here is to Week 2 of Lent and the gifts of light, being transformed, gratitude for light bearers and courage to live as a beloved Child of God.

How can we radiate our light this week?
Who do we need to thank for being light in our lives?
What fears do we need to let go of?
How will we courageously claim our belovedness?
What is stopping us from being transformed?

Transformed By Being A Lost Apostle

Over the course of the past 6 months Br. Donnie and myself have been rehearsing for the musical production Lost Apostle. It was written by an amazing local artist. This past weekend was show time and what an amazing experience!

We were blessed to be able to be part of a cast and crew of 52. These 52 people are not only talented musicians, actors, singers, artists, seamstresses, and stage hands but also very dedicated, welcoming, generous, kind and simply good people. The cast and crew were completely volunteer and came together to bring the musical to life for 4 shows. They came together because of a love of music, a love of community, a love of family and a love for the elderly (for which all the proceeds raised go towards their care). It truly has been an amazing experience for both Br. Donnie and myself. It has challenged us, opened us up, caused many great discussions and stirred our hearts, our faith journey and awakened again those beautiful gifts that God plants deep in our hearts that surface when the time is right.

Not only did we get to create with this amazing cast and crew, we were privileged to walk into their lives beyond the stage. Friendships developed, conversations deepened, family bonds were extended and real life pulled at us to bring the gospel to life.

Let me give you a brief storyline of the musical to give you a sense why it has been a mazing experience; for not only were the cast and crew amazing but so was the story. It begins in the days of the earthly ministry of Jesus and tells about four people who encounter him and how their lives are changed. Peter, Judas, Mary Magdalene and Beth tell their story and how Jesus called them. In their stories our story unfolds and much of what stirred in them stirs in us. Hopes, dreams, desire, hurts, pains, lies, being trapped, passions, loneliness and transformation all are expressed. These I know have been a part of my journey and open me up to Christ, how he is speaking to my heart and to trust in him.

The musical continues in the modern day and tells of how we so easily become trapped in lies, through poor choices, greed, judgment and power. The chaos that unfolds, the agony of despair and those moments of being shattered that can haunt us all is played out in the musical. This is not where the musical leaves us or our lives for the beautiful gift that is love always wins and hope is always ours because of the Resurrection.

So in these early days of Lent this musical is sending me some reminders that I would like to share as an inspiration for our Lenten journey.

I am reminded of the gift of transformation and openness.

I am reminded that the challenges of life always have a gift in them.

I am reminded that dignity, dedication and sacrifice are values that Christ showed us how to live.

I am reminded that the cross leads to the resurrection; which is eternal life.

I am reminded that I have so much to be thankful after being a part of this musical and always.

I am reminded that each of us have the power to share love in the simplest ways which will indeed change the world and inspire others to do the same.

Now the Lenten tasks becomes to take these reminders off the page and bring them to life just as the musical was taken from the pages of the script and score and brought to life.  The power is within each of us because Christ dwells there. How do we choose to live?

Monday Motivation... Lenten Motivation...

You can find all types of stuff on line, twitter, facebook that can help you get motivated for a Monday… quotes (which I love to collect), images and so on. Over the course of my weekend there were moments that would be classified as motivational and yet they are so much more. They are moments that remind me how much God is in my life and calling me to continually be an open vessel for God to be at work in me.

Let me tell you about these moments…

Scripture… the ultimate motivation… and it is really the Gospel from this past weekend (Matthew 6.24-34) that kicked started this reflecting. In this Gospel we read… “Do not worry about your life”; “Are you not more valuable than the birds of the air?”; “Strive first for the kingdom of God”; “Do not worry about tomorrow.” These simple words remind me that God is truly with me and when I allow doubt and fear to take over God says… do not worry, you are so valuable, you have gifts for the kingdom, I am with you.

I sometimes think that Matthew 6 was written especially for me. I sometimes let worry hold me captive, which is so ridiculous because I know God is greater than my worries and fears and frustrations and concerns. There is strength in accepting this more and more, even a sense of being settled and peace. Even when worry seems to be a present companion I know that it will not win me over for God is with me.

This was made a little more concrete to me this weekend. One of my USB computer drives decided enough and was enough and it would not read my files any more. I was frustrated and a bit angry (current assignments and project files were on the USB), but did not become unravelled. There at my core was strength and in the frustration and in some sense loss I was able to move through this. I was a little off of what would be my ‘usual’ self but I was not wrapped up in the woes of worry.

God works in beautiful ways to pull us away from worry, to see our value and to be filled with gratitude. God showed God’s self to me throughout the weekend in so many ways that any worry that surfaced melted away and I was reminded again of gratitude, how important the building of the kingdom is and God’s love.

While at Mass on Saturday night a woman with a mental disability sat next to me. She was so sweet and helped me let go of my worry. She patted my habit, pulled my beard, gave me the biggest hug and made sure she was sitting right (and I mean right) next to me. I was forced not to be turned inward but rather to be open to receive what was being poured into life (again being called to be an open vessel).

Later that night one of my brothers handed me a retyped copy of my paper that was on the USB file. I had printed a copy for editing and was going to have to retype now from start. In his generosity he sat down and typed it for me without me knowing. I was blown away, filled with gratitude and saw how the kingdom of God is built with little acts of kindness and with big hearts. This same brother also forced me out of myself and brought me to the bigger community where I experienced happiness that was needed.

By the time Sunday came and I was in a full rehearsal for the musical I am part of this weekend, my heart was opened again. I have been surrounded by an amazing cast and crew for the last 6 months. This community of young and old, leaders and followers, searching and determined people have shown to me over and over again the beauty of building the kingdom.  How it is done together, how to support each other and encourage others and the gift of being valued by God for more than any material wealth will ever give me. It is so beautiful to see how being valued because we are Children of God can change the world. I have seen this cast bring characters to life that know our longings and journey, that speak to our hearts and that call us to be open and trust not only because of characters but also because of life journeys and relationships. Gratitude again filled my heart and opened it up some more.

Finally the gift of new life emphasized the gift of how much God truly and wholly values us. I had the great pleasure of being present when a young couple announced they are expecting twins and the great support and joy that swelled to fill the room. I also in a more intimate moment was given the gift to hold a 5 day old child. The busy and full and goodness of all that had filled my last few hours seemed to be amplified and joy filled me even more accompanied by a calm, a peace, a breathing in of God, of love, of freedom from worry.

If that’s not motivation for a Monday and for the Season of Lent nothing is!

As this week unfolds I am determined to remember that my worries are so little, that my heart is full of deep gratitude, that we all have so much value and worth and that in building the kingdom we truly are set free and encounter God’s vast love. This will shape my Lenten journey… worry will not drive this journey. What will shape yours? What will drive your Lenten steps?

God,

you are strength and wisdom,

we place our trust in you

our worries melt away in your goodness.

Help us to remember this.

You guide us in ways everlasting

so we may be co-builders of the kingdom –

we strive to share who we are in the building

and to trust in your deep love, mercy and grace –

guide us, today, through this Lenten time and always.

Amen.

I humbly ask your prayers for the cast and crew of the musical Lost Apostle this coming week as we head towards performance this weekend!

I also ask for your prayers for baby Katharine and for Amber and Andy as they prepare to become parents for the first time. Let us also pray for all children and young families and for a greater respect for all of life.

Blessings on your Lenten journey…

We Are Holy

“You shall be holy, for I the Lord God am holy.”                                                                                    - Leviticus 19.2

Can we just let that sink in for a moment? For a life time?

Holy

Each one of us is holy because we are created in the image and likeness of God.

Holy

Each one of us is holy because we are redeemed by the amazing love of Christ.

Holy

Each one of us is holy because we are infused with the breath of the Holy Spirit.

I continually am in awe of this… it is intimate and personal, it is deeply rooted in us, it is part of our authentic DNA, it is challenging and it calls us to life and to share life. This is an everyday encounter with our God and true selves. On good days, on bad days, on the days we wonder how on earth we made it through, one days we feel alone, on days we can’t even breath the word holy without it being a swear, in our greatest moments and in our weakest moments… our holiness never leaves us. That is what is so breathtakingly beautiful about this gift… we are holy no matter what because God is holy and God loves us and desires nothing more than for us to grasp our holiness.

As I ponder this more,

I am thankful for

the moments in my days that remind me of this gift,

the ways God speaks to me and enters into my day,

the moments that remind me to seek holiness,

the people that live their lives in a way that holiness naturally exudes from them,

the people who challenge me to claim my holiness,

the people who constantly work for the holiness of each person,

all of creation that shows forth this gift,

all the unique ways that holiness is expressed,

all the love that God pours into the holiness of each us.

I will recount all your wonders, I will rejoice in you and be glad, O Most High (Psalm 9.2-3) for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139.14) and my life truly is holy.

Sunrise Reflections

The sun rises on all of us,

no matter who we are,

no matter where we are,

no matter how dark the night has been.

The sun rises on all of us,

may the rays of light touch us,

may the rays of warmth warm us,

may the rays of  light awaken us to life.

As I write this another beautiful Canadian winter sunrise is starting to fill our sky.
It is such a beautiful reminder of God's amazing creativity and such a sign of hope.
Slowly the darkness shifts to light and then a glow and then an amazing piercing light
of deep shades of orange, pink, purple and yellow crash through on the horizon and
extends its light to fill our day. Some mornings the brilliance is there for just a few moments and other days it lingers and slowly unfolds its wonder.

I am always in awe of a sunrise as they remind me of how God is at work in our lives. I have a quote in my room that reads, Hope: God Breaks In. A sunrise seems to best capture that truth. As the sun breaks into the night and creates the day I am reminded that our God continually breaks into our lives and fills us with hope, strength, courage and peace. Maybe at times what seems just for a fleeting moment, and maybe at other times it slowly builds into our lives. We must remember that both are gift and graces. God is always with us and yet is always "entering" our lives because God's love and mercy is so great, boundless and everlasting.

Lord
your light shines
on our neighbors and our friends,
on those who are strangers to us,
on those who we think are enemies,
on those who seek to walk in light,
on those who are lost in darkness,
on those who radiate joy and peace,
on those who believe and on those who do not, 
on those who are in pain,
on those who are rejoicing,
on every child, women and man,
on the young and the old,
on all of creation,
and for this we give you thanks.
Amen.


This week I hope you can take in a sunrise and be able just to stop and give thanks to God for the light that fills your life and light bearers who help light your journey.




 

Light Revealed

“My own eyes have seen the salvation…

a light to reveal you to the nations…”

These are the words that pour forth from the mouth of Simeon as he embraces the Christ the Child when he is presented in the temple.

February 2 marks the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the temple. This great Feast reminds us that the Light of Christ has indeed entered our world and pierced through the darkness.  With the prophet Anna we can praise God for his Son who walks with us and because of his Spirit we can see with new eyes.

I have been reminded recently that maybe I have been busy doing instead of simply being, this feast reminds me that no matter my burdens, no matter my worries, not matter how busy I am God breaks into my life and pierces it with light. Sometimes God breaks through the brokenness of life, other times through the joys, and at other times through the gift of good people who they themselves have embraced the light of Christ. I am grateful like Simeon and Anna, I too have seen with my own eyes God’s salvation in so many ways.

Towards the end of 2016 an image of a vessel surfaced in my prayer, it is the image I have chosen for 2017 and one that continues to challenge me and causes me to ponder my prayer, my actions, my words, my choices and my receptivity. A vessel can hold light and share it, it can consume light and quench it, it can let light seep out from all its openings and cracks or it can be closed and not allow light in. I’m choosing to embrace the gift of being an open vessel, yes maybe broken but open and in so doing I continually see God’s salvation and allow the light of Christ to fill me.

God of Life

you show to me your love

and lead me in the ways of salvation,

may I embrace the light that you pour into my life,

may the gift of Christ, your Son,

given to me so that I may have life

continue to be my way, my truth and my life.

Christ my Light,

I desire to radiate you

and to be a vessel of your great love and light.

I know you walk with me,

continue to guide me in the ways

of being the Child of God I am

and so be receptive to the goodness you pour into me.

Holy Spirit,

come to me,

guide me in paths that are everlasting,

help me to be bold, kind, compassionate

and filled with courage and joy

so I can be an open vessel,

and with Simeon & Anna continually give God praise.

Amen.

February 2 also marks World Day for Consecrated Life.

I humbly ask for your continued prayers for the Franciscans

and all religious communities.