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.
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.
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?
I have found great joy in reading the gospel each morning in three different versions, emailed to me overnight. Each provides one with some key insights to ponder for the day to come and really gets those creative juices flowing. As you can probably tell. Presenting me with words I was kind of aware of, thought I understood, but really did not know from Adam.
Sorry. Helps sustain my humerous daddus affliction. But I digress…
This morning in the first reading of 1 Maccabees 2:15-29, there was a retelling of the enforcement of a king’s apostasy and Mattathias’ reaction.
Akin to the mother and her seven sons and how they chose the after life in lieu of an affirmation of not only a false prophet but false view of life.
I went back to “apostasy” and discovered the origins, the Greek word “apostasia” meaning “defection, rebellion or abandonment”. Recalling my fondness for Etymology class with Mr. Paris in high school back in the 70’s, I went a little deeper. Who knew today would start with some archeology.
“Apostasia” is formed from a prefix “apo” meaning “away from” and the verb “histemi” meaning “to stand”. “Thus, the literal meaning is to stand away from”.
Since this was first written long, long ago it has taken on a variety of meanings each of which are related to discarding ones faith. At this moment of of my personal reclamation project, however, I prefer to apply it from its original, literal meaning.
“To stand away from”.
My apostasia involves standing away from the ill conceived habits and thoughts that took me away from my true self. Beholding the notion that I had all of the answers and that I could do everything for everybody. Equipped with the double edged sword that is ego, I wounded humility for the sake of pride. All of which simply made me an island, surrounded by an ocean that ebbed with low self esteem and flowed with no forgiveness.
But as I have increasingly sacrificed the tenets of a choices poorly made and a life ill lived, a true fellowship beckons. One that called to the mother and seven sons. One that touched Mattathias and the multitudes of those that have followed. Removing me from a self-designed poverty and enriching me with an altogether serene and peaceful wholeness.
You may not realize it at first, but when you simply let go and stand away from what you were, you can genuinely become what you are meant to be.
My “apostasia” began with moving away from being alone as self-induced outcast. It has since evolved into allowing Him in and truly living.
...my temporary assignment. 