“Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

Grasping would imply that faith has to it a physical sense or nature to it. Some thing to be possessed. Then, if that thing changes, becomes different, it can be set aside. Stored. Perhaps forgotten altogether.

That just is not faith.

Growing into it ensures that it touches every aspect of your being. Guiding how you think, speak and act. Embracing every fiber of your being. Revealing to the world what you have become.

One of faith.

Following Superbowl XXV, players from the Giants and the Bills gathered together on the field at Tampa Stadium to pray. Though the game was decided at the last second, these men decided some time ago how they were going to live out their time.

While a true team is capable of aspiring to and then achieving unfathomable success, a genuine fellowship is built for something entirely different and lasting. Certain of its facets can act to drive teams towards a stellar record. But the relationships, connections and mutual support inherent in a fellowship evolve and grow into a sustaining and blessed family.

The game got one team a ring that season.

This huddle brought them all together for a lifetime.

In true fellowship.

Throughout the regeneration, moments take place when new light is shed, lessons are taught and understanding is gained. Not few and far between. But ongoing and repetitive. Grace in its fullest measure.

Though I tend to focus on certain scripture, I strive to encounter other ministry and evangelic passages in a quest for more spiritual resonance. I happened upon this one from Jalal Ad-Din Rumi:

“Knock, And He’ll open the door
Vanish, And He’ll make you shine like the sun
Fall, And He’ll raise you to the heavens
Become nothing, And He’ll turn you into everything.”

Such fitting thoughts and words needed to nurture one when in search of a level of companionship that will lead to peace, understanding and affirmation.

Grace in its fullest measure.

Gorgeous.

It waited until all were home from the holiday gathering. Not Halloween this time, but Thanksgiving. And if you happened to be outside as it was coming down, it carried that voice that can only be heard during a heavy snow.

Now that I think of it, even the birch seems mesmerized by its arrival. Wait, perhaps they are simply all knotted up by the Bears being the number one seed in the NFC. But I digress…

I got to shovel. Twice. Come Wednesday, maybe thrice.

Joy is to be found all around if you can embrace the peace that comes when you just “be”. Let things happen on their own time, guided by the strength of hope. And share a loving and open faith in all that will follow.

Tis the season.

But tis a way you can simply be all year.

Every season.

In a conversation with some close friends, the subject of service came up.  A most cherished topic of mine.  It embodies in it an enduring, genuine and selfless trait. An attribute that creates a lasting and limitless transformation on all those enjoined in the experience. Through service. Adopting an attitude of servanthood. Assuming the mantle of servant leadership.

In today’s gospel reflection, Bishop Barron shared one of his most compelling perspectives of embracing a spiritual being.  That of “the loop of grace.”  The notion that we return the favor of grace which we received from Him, to those around and about us.  Never from a transactional mindset or manner, but only as our gift to others.  As we are graced by His love for us, so too should we be the exemplar by returning that gift.  Looping His grace back towards others with this level of love.

But somehow, things can tend to get manipulated, distorted and taken out of context.  Doctrine can become dogma  and ego can become a weapon to smite and control.  But when all is said and done, He simply loves us. And wants to be a part of our life.

Couldn’t we just return that gift to others in service of His grace to us?

Close the loop.